Three-dimensional virtual assembling method, computer program and system, wiring harness designing method, computer program and system

ABSTRACT

A curved state and other states of a wiring harness are displayed by dividing wires into wire segments and applying a polygon processing, and are compared with a 3D shape of the wiring harness represented by a reference layout data displayed as a background image. As compared to a case where a trial product is produced, an operation efficiency can be considerably improved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a three-dimensional (3D) virtual assemblingmethod, and a computer program and system for displaying 3D design dataof a wiring harness in a virtual 3D space based on inputted data. Theinvention also relates to a wiring harness designing method, and to acomputer program and system for designing a wiring harness by displayingthree-dimensional (3D) design data of the wiring harness in a virtual 3Dspace.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wiring harnesses are used as electric wiring in automotive vehicles andelectric appliances. A wiring harness is produced by first making a 3Dwiring design of the wiring harness based on mount positions of variousparts in the automotive vehicle, electrical appliance or like wirelayout object. The wiring harness then is drafted on a two-dimensional(2D) drawing sheet based on the result of the 3D wiring design. FIG. 14shows a typical assembly board 1 for assembling the wiring harness.Supporting jigs 2 are mounted at selected locations on the assemblyboard 1 based on the 2D drawing of the wiring harness. Wires then aresupported on the jigs 2 and are bundled with resin tape or the like toproduce a wiring harness 3.

The wiring harness design typically is evaluated by generating 2Ddrawings of the wiring harness and the vehicle or appliance for whichthe wiring harness is being designed. These 2D drawings typically aremade by a design assisting system, such as a CAD. A designer checks thedrawings and points out problems. The acceptability of this methodvaries widely depending on the skill of the designer and it is difficultto establish a uniform standards.

Alternatively, a trial wiring harness 3 is produced and is actually laidin an automotive vehicle, electric appliance or other such wire layoutobject 4, as shown in FIG. 15. The acceptability of the wiring harnessis investigated by checking whether the trial wiring harness 3 can belaid properly in the wire layout object 4 so that connectors 5 and wiresare in proper locations.

This latter method points out the three-dimensional problems. However, awiring harness assembling process generally depends mostly on manualoperations. Accordingly, the production of the trial product is alabor-intensive operation and requires huge expenditures of labor andtime.

A conventional development method for a wiring harness is shown in theflow chart of FIG. 23, and includes drafting a preliminary drawing inStep T1 based on a summary of an object in which a wiring harness is tobe used. Design and development operations then are performed in StepT2.

Trial products are produced at Step T3 based on the design developed inStep T2. The production of trial products in Step T3 requires jigs 2 andother parts for the actual wiring harness to be arranged on anassembling table, as shown in FIG. 14. A skilled worker or a researchengineer then assembles an actual wiring harness 3 as a trial product.

The design developed in Step T2 and the trial product produced in StepT3 are assessed based on several factors, including: an error in certaindesign rules for the wiring harness 3, such as insufficient dimensionsor exertion of an unnatural load at a mount angle; the possibility ofhuman errors; the presence of a mutual hardware interference for thejigs 2; and difficulties during the assembling operation. Factors thatadversely affect productivity and/or quality are pointed out, and plansthat could remove such adverse factors are studied. The results of thetrial product investigation eventually are reflected on the content ofthe trial product design. Trial products usually are produced severaltimes in Step T3. A production preparation stage (Step T4) and a massproduction stage (Step T5) eventually are entered.

Research engineers play a key role at the trial production stage of awiring harness in an effort to design improved operation steps for thesubsequent mass production stage. Actual trial products are produced andtrial product operations are inspected in an effort to improve theassembly of the wiring harness by human hands. Operations that aredifficult and/or that have low operability are addressed early in thetrial production stage in an effort to develop an improvement plan thatwill obtain high productivity at the mass production stage. Theimprovement plan frequently is associated with an improved design of thewiring harness, and the improvement plan is drafted with a view togiving improvement feedback to the design at an early stage.

The preparation for the trial production is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 46. In particular, a wiring harness is designed in StepS201 and research engineers draft a full-size drawing in Step S202. Theresearch engineers produce and study production planning information inStep S203, such as: an initial schedule and the number of harnesses thatwill be produced; factory information, including the type of existingfacilities, manufacturing system standards and producing abilities atfactory facilities. This step is carried out while looking at thefull-size drawing. Thereafter, separate designing of first subassembliesis drafted in Step S204, and a specific mass production line is designedin Step S205.

As shown in FIG. 47, the subassemblies (subassemblies 1, 2, . . . n inFIG. 48) designed in Step S204 are intermediate products produced at anintermediate stage as small-size components of a wiring harness 2 (finalharness product in FIG. 48). The subassemblies 1 normally are designedfor sections of automotive vehicles, such as engines and doors. Thefinal product of the wiring harness 2 is an assembly of thesesubassemblies 1 and is an aggregate of many kinds of parts 3, including,wires (e.g. 100 to 150 wires) and covering parts (e.g. dozens to severalhundred covering parts) such as protectors, covers and tapes. The wiresand the covering parts are cut and connected, as indicated schematicallyby the numeral 4. The parts 3 are assembled most efficiently by firstproducing small-size minor subassemblies 1 with machines 5 or byassembling by human hands 6. The subassemblies 1 are arranged andcombined successively on a harness assembling table. Wires 7 and parts 8that are not included in the subassemblies 1 in FIGS. 47 and 48 areindependent parts 9 that are connected independently and separately fromthe subassemblies 1 to form the final wiring harness 2.

A procedure for the separate designing of the subassembly in Step S204is shown in FIG. 49. In particular, harness design information isobtained in Step S211 from a production designing system (HIS) as asoftware program of a computer. Wires and connectors for the wiringharness are outputted and are converted into a matrix table as shown inFIG. 50 based on the harness design information in Step S212. Forms,such as a subassembly 1 a in FIG. 51A and a subassembly 1 b in FIG. 51B(Step S213), are grouped and sampled repeatedly while the outputtedmatrix table is observed. The separate operations are repeated tooptimize matters, such as: whether the subassemblies have sizes easy tohandle by workers; whether a terminal insertion rate is at maximum; andwhether the wire laying operation can be performed smoothly. Thedivision of the subassemblies is completed when these operations areended. However, the designing of the subassemblies (Step S204) using thematrix table (see Step S212) is performed on paper, and the result ofthe designing needs to be verified using an actual product.

When the separate designing of the subassemblies of Step S204 iscompleted (Step S214 in FIG. 49), the parts 3 actually are prepared asshown in FIG. 47 and the subassemblies 1 actually are produced. Further,a harness assembling table to assemble an actual wiring harness ismanufactured in accordance with the contents of the full-size design(see Step S202 in FIG. 46) to investigate an assembling operation.

An order of using the respective subassemblies 1 and an assemblingprocedure on the harness assembling table are determined beforehand inaccordance with industrial engineering theory. A research engineer thenperforms an assembly operation in accordance with the assemblingprocedure. Operability is inspected and improved, with great importanceplaced on matters to be investigated in terms of a wire layingoperability and an operation procedure as listed in TABLE-1 below.

TABLE 1 MATTERS TO BE CONFIRMATION INVESTIGATED POINTS REMEDIES WireLaying Any unnecessary opera- Make subassemblies Operability tion whenan operator smaller or change the handles subassemlies? forms thereof toincrease a first insertion rate Subassemblies can be Correct the designsof smoothly laid in one the subassemblies to direction (from leftconform to a layout of side to right side on the board board)?operations? Many overlapping wire Reconsider and opti- layingoperations? mize the forms of all the subassemblies Operation Anyunnecessary opera- Reconsider and change procedure tion betweenoperation the operation steps? procedure

Confirmation points concerning the wire laying operability include:whether there is any unnecessary operation while a worker is handlingthe subassemblies 1; whether the wires can be laid in one direction,i.e. from left to right on the harness assembling table; and whetherthere are many overlapping wire laying operations. Further,investigation is made as to whether there is any unnecessary operationbetween the operation steps. Remedies for the identified problems shownin the column of “Remedies” in TABLE-1 are studied.

Improved operability can be made by repeatedly producing actual trialproducts. The remedies proposed at this time include those related tothe divided forms of the subassemblies and those accompanied by designchanges. A design change plan is put into shape immediately and feedbackis given to the design department for improvements.

The aforementioned process is carried out to prepare a productionenvironment for actual products. The actual products then are assembledand productivity- and quality-related hindering factors at the trialproduction stage are pointed out. An improvement requirement ispresented to a client or an internal design department so that theresult of the investigation can be reflected on a next trial production.Thus, many operation steps and a long time (about 1 month) are requiredto complete and evaluate one trial product.

Many trial products are produced and evaluated despite a growing demandfrom the client to shorten the development period. Therefore, it hasbecome difficult to have sufficient time and to perform a sufficientnumber of operation steps. As a result, the trial production processoften is delayed and inspection precision is reduced. This results inproblems being carried over to a next trial production process or areduction in productivity and quality at the mass production stage.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable anefficient wire layout investigation by virtually investigating a wirelayout for a wiring harness design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a 3D virtual assembling method or wiringharness layout method for displaying 3D design data of a wiring harnessin a virtual 3D space. The 3D design data is displayed on a displaymeans that is controlled by a control means based on data inputted by adata input means. The method comprises inputting or retrieving layoutdata representing a 3D layout of the wiring harness in a specified wirelayout object (e.g. a vehicle). The method may also comprise using theinput means for inputting or retrieving the 3D design data thatrepresents a 3D layout of a wiring harness designed for production. Themethod may then comprise displaying or determining an image representedby the reference layout data as a background image in the virtual 3Dspace. The method may also comprise superimposing the 3D design data onthe background image, and a 3D design data deforming step for displayingthe shape of the wiring harness represented by the 3D design data andchanging the shape of the wiring harness according to input made by theinput means.

Accordingly, an efficient wire layout investigation can be made byvirtually investigating the wire layout conforming to the result of thedesign without actually producing a trial product. Thus, time and laborcan be reduced considerably as compared to the prior art methods, anddevelopment time can be shortened remarkably.

The method may further comprise adding coordinates for a directionnormal to a primary plane of an assembling board used during theproduction of the wiring harness to 2D data for the primary plane togenerate 3D design data.

The 3D design data may be divided into a plurality of wire segments andeach segment may include vector information on the coordinates of therespective wire segments. Accordingly, the curved state and/or otherstates of the wiring harness can be subjected to a polygon processingand displayed by dividing the wiring harness into wire segments. Thus,an operation load of the control means can be reduced as compared to acase of performing an operation assuming an actually curved state asphysical data.

The vector information of each concerned wire segment may be changed asthe shape of the wiring harness is changed assuming that center axes ofadjacent wire segments are substantially continuous.

Data on phase difference or angular relationship of adjacent wiresegments may be given to each wire segment. Accordingly, the continuousstate of the wire segments can be maintained even after deformation bydividing the wiring harness into a plurality of wire segments. Thus,processing can be performed to deform the wiring harness in a mannerthat approximates an actual curved state of the wiring harness.

A surface line substantially parallel with a center axis may be drawnvirtually on the outer surface of the wiring harness before changing theshape of the wiring harness. The surface line then is displayed on thedisplay means while being twisted according to a twist angle of thewiring harness. Accordingly, any unnatural twist can be determinedvisually or automatically by displaying a change of the phase differenceon the display means.

The 3D design data of a covering part of the wiring harness may be usedinstead of the 3D design data of the wire segments. Accordingly, the 3Dshape of covered parts can be represented like a real wiring harness.

The invention also is directed to a 3D virtual assembling method orwiring harness layout method for designing a wiring harness. The methodin accordance with this aspect of the invention comprises providinginput means for receiving or retrieving input. The method then comprisesstoring 3D harness design data for at least part of the wiring harnessin a storage means, and displaying the harness design data stored in thestorage means in a virtual 3D space on a display. The method alsocomprises correcting a section of the harness design data related to thecontent of changes based on input made via the input means andreflecting a correction result on display contents of the display meansand stored contents of the storage means.

Accordingly, when a designer changes part of the harness design data viathe input means, the section of the harness design data related to thechange is corrected automatically and the correction is reflectedautomatically on the display means and in the stored contents of thestorage means. Thus, it is not necessary for the designer to correctdata related to the change, and the form of the harness design dataafter the change can be confirmed immediately. As a result, the wiringharness can be designed more efficiently.

The method may further comprise storing 3D design data of an assemblingboard corresponding to the harness design data in the storage means. Theharness design data and the board design data are displayed in thevirtual 3D space while setting the harness design data on the boarddesign data. Sections of the harness design data and/or sections of theboard design data may be changed via the input means and such changesare reflected on the display contents of the display and the storedcontents of the storage.

The board design data preferably includes jig data corresponding to jigsfor holding the wiring harness on the assembling board. If the length orpath shape of a section of the harness design data is changed, acorrection is made by moving the coordinates in the virtual 3D space ofa section of the harness design data more toward an end than the changedsection. The coordinates of the jig data corresponding to the endsection of the harness design data are changed according to an amount ofthe change in the length of the changed section and/or according to achanged content of the path shape.

The invention also is directed to a computer program comprising acomputer readable medium, having thereon computer program code means.The program, when loaded, makes the computer execute a 3D virtualassembling method as described above. Thus, the program causes acomputer to carry out the respective steps of the 3D virtual assemblingmethod to implement the 3D virtual assembling method in the computer.

The invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium forstoring a computer program with means for causing a computer to controlthe execution of a wiring harness designing method as described herein.

The invention also is directed to a 3D virtual assembling system orwiring harness layout system that implements the method described hereinfor displaying 3D design data of a wiring harness in a virtual 3D spaceon a display means by means of a control means and based on a datainputted by a data input means. The data input or retrieving means isfor inputting or retrieving data representing the shape of the wiringharness in the form of reference layout data that represents a 3D layoutof the wiring harness in a specified wire layout object (e.g. avehicle). The data input or retrieving means also inputs or retrieves 3Ddesign data that represents a 3D layout of a wiring harness designed forproduction. The control means causes the display means to display areference layout data image represented by the reference layout data asa background image in the virtual 3D space. The display meanssuperimposes the 3D design data on the background image, and changes theshape of the wiring harness represented by the 3D design data accordingto input made by the data input means.

The 3D design data may be divided into wire segments and may includevector information on the coordinates of the respective wire segments.Vector information of the wire segments may be changed when the shape ofthe wiring harness changes. The changes may assume that center axes ofadjacent wire segments are substantially continuous.

The invention also is directed to a wiring harness designing system orwiring harness layout system, which is a 3D virtual assembling systemfor designing a wiring harness. The system comprises: an input orretrieving means for receiving an input or for retrieving data; astorage means for storing harness design data including 3D design dataof at least part of the wiring harness; a display means; and a controlmeans for displaying the harness design data stored in the storage meansin a virtual 3D space displayed on the display means. The harness designdata may be changed by an input made via the input means. The system maythen automatically correct sections of the harness design data relatedto the change and reflects a correction result on displayed contents ofthe display means and stored contents of the storage means. Thus, it isnot necessary for the designer to correct all the data related to thecontent of the change, and the form of the harness design data after thechange can be confirmed immediately. As a result, the wiring harness canbe designed more efficiently.

The storage means also may store 3D design data of an assembling boardcorresponding to the harness design data. The control means displays theharness design data and the board design data in the virtual 3D spaceand sets the harness design data on the board design data. If theharness design data is changed by an input made via the input means, thecontrol means corrects sections of the harness design data and/orsections of the board design data related to the change and reflectscorrection results on the display contents of the display means and thestored contents of the storage means.

The control means makes a correction if the length or path shape of asection of the harness design data is changed. The correctionautomatically moves the coordinates in the virtual 3D space of a sectionof the harness design data more toward a corresponding end than thechanged section. The coordinates are moved according to an amount of thechange in the length of the changed section and/or according to achanged content of the path shape without changing the 3D shape of theend section.

The board design data may include jig data for jigs that hold the wiringharness on the assembling board. If the length or path shape of asection of the harness design data is changed, the control means alsomoves the coordinates of the jig data included in the board design datacorresponding to the end section of the harness design data. Thecoordinates of the jig data are moved according to an amount of thechange in the length of the changed section and/or according to achanged content of the path shape.

The harness design data preferably includes accessory data correspondingto accessories mounted on wires of the wiring harness. If the accessorydata are changed, the control means corrects the jig data included inthe board design data and related to the accessory data.

The storage means preferably stores a plurality of harness design datahaving a common data configuration and related to each other. If anyharness design data stored in the storage means are changed by an inputmade via the input device, the control means corrects sections of theharness design data related to the change. The control means alsoreflects a correction result on the display contents of the displaymeans and the stored contents of the storage means, and reflects thecontent of the change on the other harness design data related to thechanged harness design data. These corrections preferably are madeautomatically. Thus, the plurality of related harness design data easilycan be changed at once. Accordingly, data administration, such as datarenewal (including corrections) and deletion can also be performedeasily.

A main part of the harness design data representing a wire pathpreferably is formed by connecting joints along the wire path.Accordingly, the length of a section of the wire path can be changedeasily by increasing or decreasing the number of joints in the sectionor by increasing or decreasing the length of the joints in the section.

The invention also relates to a wiring harness designing method orwiring harness layout method for designing a wiring harness. The methoduses a wiring harness designing system with input means, storage meansand display means. The method comprises three-dimensionally modifying 3Ddesign data of a wiring harness displayed in a virtual 3D space by thedisplay means. The display is achieved by inputting or retrieving aninstruction via the input or retrieving means for generating a pluralityof 3D design data of different 3D shapes. The method also includesstoring the generated 3D design data in the storage means and formingthem into a database. The method then includes selecting part of the 3Ddesign data stored in the storage means by an instruction inputted viathe input means and displaying the same in the virtual 3D space via thedisplay means. Accordingly, the 3D design data displayed in the virtual3D space can be switched easily to the other stored 3D design data.Thus, the contents of the design can be inspected while switching the 3Ddesign data displayed in the virtual 3D space, thereby making the wiringharness designing operation more efficient.

The 3D design data stored in the storage means may comprise relatedsections that have a common data configuration. If one of part of 3Ddesign data stored in the storage means is changed by an instructioninputted via the input means, the change is reflected on the other 3Ddesign data related to the changed 3D design data. These changespreferably are made automatically. Accordingly, the effect of a changein one part of the 3D design data on other 3D design data can beconfirmed easily by switching the 3D design data displayed on thedisplay means, and the contents of the designs of the 3D design data canbe changed and investigated more efficiently. Consequently, dataadministration, such as renewal of data (including corrections) anddeletion, can be performed easily.

The 3D design data stored in the storage means preferably include basic3D design data developed in a plane in the virtual 3D space so as toconform to the wiring harness set on an assembling board. The datastored in the storages means may also include 3D design datarepresenting a layout of the wiring harness in a vehicle body. Thesedata are generated by three-dimensionally deforming the basic 3D designdata in the virtual 3D space and are three-dimensionally deformed in thevirtual 3D space to conform to a form of the wiring harness laid in thevehicle body.

Accordingly, the basic 3D design data developed in a plane is used toattain various improvements for better productivity and quality of thewiring harness at the production of the wiring harness and to verify,for example, whether the assembling operation holds. Similarly, the 3Ddesign data representing the layout in the vehicle body are used toinspect the layout of the wiring harness in the vehicle body. Thus, thedesigning operation can be made even more efficient by makingverifications and inspections while switching the 3D design datadisplayed in the virtual 3D space between the basic 3D design data andthe 3D design data representing the layout in the vehicle body.

The 3D design data stored in the storage means may further include 3Ddesign data of an intermediate shape created during a shapetransitioning process. Thus, the 3D design data representing the layoutin the vehicle body are generated by deforming the basic 3D design data.The basic 3D design data, the 3D data of the intermediate shape and the3D design data representing the layout in the vehicle body are switchedand displayed successively in the virtual 3D space via the display meansin an order corresponding to the shape transitioning process.Accordingly, an operation of laying the wiring harness in the vehiclebody can be inspected and demonstrated by the 3D design data switchedand displayed in this order.

A main part of the 3D design data representing a wire path is formed byconnecting joints along the wire path. Accordingly, the length of aspecific section of the wire path can be changed easily by increasing ordecreasing the number of the joints in the specific section orincreasing or decreasing the length of the joints in the specificsection.

The invention also is directed to a computer program comprising acomputer readable medium, having thereon computer program code means.The program, when loaded, makes the computer execute a wiring harnessdesigning method as described herein.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon reading of the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.It should be understood that even though embodiments are describedseparately, single features thereof may be combined to additionalembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware construction of a 3Dvirtual assembling system or wiring harness designing system accordingto one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a 3D virtual assembling method accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image represented by a 2D data.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a wire model in a 3D space.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where a wire is divided into aplurality of wire segments.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a vector information of the wire segment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where two wire segments arecontinuously connected with each other.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a curved state of the wire.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where covering part segments areused instead of the wire segments.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where surface lines are drawn onthe outer circumferential surfaces of the respective wire segments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state where the wire is twisted with thesurface lines drawn on the outer circumferential surfaces of therespective wire segments.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a case where the wire is found out to beexcessively long.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where a branch wire is found to bedrawn out in an opposite direction.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation of producing a wiring harnesson a assembling board.

FIG. 15 is a diagram virtually showing a state where a wiring harness islaid in a three-dimensional manner in a wire layout object.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a method for designing a wiring harnessassembling table according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a wiring harness, accessories and assistingjigs in a 2D plane.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a 3D shape of a wiring harness developed ina 3D space.

FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram showing the 3D shape of a connector asan accessory.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a 3D shape developed in the 3D space inwhich accessories are connected with the wiring harness.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state where an assembling table andassisting jigs are displayed together.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an overall designing flow of an objectto which the wiring harness assembling table designing method accordingto the embodiment of the invention is applied.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing an overall conventional designing flowof an application object.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a summary of a method for designing awiring harness according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a retrieval tree structure showing asubassembly information.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a relationship between a subassemblyassembling procedure information and other databases.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a relationship between an on-the-boardassembling procedure information and the other databases.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an exemplary subassembly.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a subassembly assembling site.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a subassembly assemblingoperation.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a subassembly assemblingoperation.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a subassembly assembling operation.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state where subassemblies arearranged on a harness assembling table to form a wiring harness.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the harness assembling table.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an operation of arrangingsubassemblies on the harness assembling table.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing the operation of arrangingsubassemblies on the harness assembling table.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the operation of arrangingsubassemblies on the harness assembling table.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a state where the wiring harnessis formed by arranging the subassemblies on the harness assemblingtable.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing the subassembly assemblingoperation.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing the subassembly assemblingoperation.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a state where a subassemblyassembling procedure is displayed on a display.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing a state where the subassemblyassembling procedure is displayed on the display.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of the subassembly.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing another example of the subassembly.

FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing the wiring harness designing methodaccording to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 46 is a flow chart showing a general wiring harness designingmethod.

FIG. 47 is a flow diagram showing a general wiring harness producingmethod.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a construction of a wiring harness of aplurality of subassemblies.

FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing a subassembly designing method.

FIG. 50 is a matrix table showing a connection relationship betweenwires and connectors of a subassembly.

FIG. 51A is a diagram of an example of the subassembly.

FIG. 51B is a diagram showing another example of the subassembly.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a data configuration of a harness designdata.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view showing a harness design data of a displaymode developed in a plane.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a harness design data of a display modecorresponding a layout in a vehicle body.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing a state where the length of asection of the harness design data of FIG. 53 is changed.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a state where the length of a section ofthe harness design data is increased or decreased by increasing ordecreasing the number of the wire segments in this section.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a state where the length and path shape ofa section of the harness design data of FIG. 54 are changed.

FIG. 58 is a flow chart showing a process of designing a wiring harnessassembling board and a wiring harness by the wiring harness designingmethod according to a further preferred embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a flow chart showing a virtual layout process according tothe wiring harness designing method of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing a 3D design data of a display modedeveloped in a plane.

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing a 3D design data of a display modecorresponding to a layout in a vehicle body.

FIG. 62 is a diagram of a data configuration of the 3D design data.

FIGS. 63(a) to 63(c) are diagrams showing 3D design data at intermediatestages of a shape transitioning process.

FIG. 64 is a table showing a stored format of the 3D design data whenbeing stored as a database.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a harness design data according to afurther preferred embodiment developed in a plane.

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing an accessory data of a protector.

FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing a process of virtually mounting aprotector on a wiring harness.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing the process of virtually mountingthe protector on the wiring harness.

FIG. 69 is a perspective view showing the process of virtually mountingthe protector on the wiring harness.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view showing the process of virtually mountingthe protector on the wiring harness.

FIG. 71 is a diagram showing the process of virtually mounting theprotector on the wiring harness.

FIG. 72 is a perspective view showing the process of virtually mountingthe protector on the wiring harness.

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing the process of virtually mounting theprotector on the wiring harness.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing the harness design data of a form to belaid in a vehicle body.

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing the harness design data of another form tobe laid in a vehicle body.

FIG. 76 is a diagram showing a process of virtually connecting thewiring harness and an electrical connection box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A 3D virtual assembling system according to one embodiment of theinvention can detect incompatible points in the design of a wiringharness. The system generates 3D digital design data that represents theshape of the designed wiring harness and image-displays 3D digitalreference layout data of a wiring harness layout path in a product inwhich the wiring harness is to be mounted. The system then superimposesthe 3D design image on the image-displayed reference layout data whilepositioning the 3D design data and deforming curves and the like for avirtual comparison.

FIG. 1 shows a 3D virtual assembling system or wiring harness designingsystem according to the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the 3D virtualassembling system has: a display device, such as a CRT display; inputdevices 14, including a keyboard 12 and a mouse 13; a storage device 15,such as a hard disk drive; and a computer 16, including a CPU and a mainmemory. The storage device 15 stores a software program specifying aprocedure for operating the CPU of the computer 16 using various datastored in the storage device 15 in accordance with input made by of theinput device 14.

Although not shown, the input devices 14 may also include a reader forreading a storage medium, such as a magnetic disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk,DVD, magneto-optical disk, or the like and a communication device forreceiving data via a communication network, such as LAN.

The hardware sources 11 to 16 are used in combination to perform theoperation steps of a 3D virtual assembling method shown in a flow chartof FIG. 2. The software program stored beforehand in the storage device15 preferably implements the operation steps.

The reference layout data is inputted to or retrieved by the computer16, preferably beforehand. The reference layout data is electronic dataof a 3D layout of the wiring harness in a 3D space modeling the wirelayout object. For example, the 3D layout of the wiring harness isdesigned beforehand for a wire layout object, such as an automotivevehicle or an electric appliance, based on the mount positions of partsin the wire layout object and coordinate information on the shape of thewiring harness in the 3D space. Coordinate information of parts to bemounted on the wiring harness are generated into 3D electronic data as a3D drawing using a design assisting software program, such as a CAD.These 3D electronic data are inputted to the computer 16 and stored inthe storage device 15 (see FIG. 1). The CAD software program may beimplemented on the same equipment on the computer 16 and the data on theshape of the wiring harness 3 may be inputted or obtained manually bythe input devices 14 or otherwise retrieved or inputted. Alternatively,the 3D electronic data generated in another CAD system may betransferred to the computer 16 via communication or a specified storagemedium, such as a magnetic disk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, DVD,magneto-optical disk, or the like.

The 3D design data are electronic data representing coordinates of 2Delectronic data used to produce a wiring harness on a two-dimensionalassembling board 1 in the 3D space.

First, dimensions, such as lengths between branches of the wiringharness 3 and mount positions of connectors are designed in Step S1 ofFIG. 2 based on the 3D drawing. The 2D drawing of the wiring harness 3is generated in the form of 2D electronic data using a design assistingsoftware program such as a CAD, considering the production of the wiringharness 3 on the assembling board 1 as shown in FIG. 14, and thegenerated 2D electronic data is inputted to the computer 16.

A coordinate axis (z-axis) normal to a coordinate plane of the inputted2D electronic data is combined with the 2D electronic data in thecomputer 16, and the resulting 3D design data are stored in the storagedevice 15. The 2D electronic data may be inputted manually to thecomputer 16 using the input devices 14. Alternatively, the 3D electronicdata generated by another CAD system may be transferred to the computer16 via communication or a specified storage medium, such as a magneticdisk, CD-ROM, floppy disk, DVD, magneto-optical disk, or the like.

Information to be inputted as the 2D data include a 2D coordinateinformation of nodes n01 to n20 for specifying the shape of therespective wires of the wiring harness on the assembling board 1, asshown in FIG. 3, wire link information on links of the respective nodesn01 and n20, and information on diameters r01 to r14 of the wireslinking the nodes n01 to n20.

Each wire 21 has a longitudinal axis 21 a as shown in FIG. 4. Realisticdeformation of the respective wires 21 of the wiring harness 3 in a 3Ddesign data deforming step is achieved by dividing each wire 21 alongits length L into short wire segments 22 that have a length “a” as shownin FIG. 5. The length “a” of the respective wire segments 22 also isinputted in Step S1 considering that the respective wires 21 aredeformed with the wire segment 22 as a unit. The length “a” is desirablyfrom about 5 mm to about 15 mm, preferably about 10 mm. The respectivewire segments may be equal or different.

Weight data of the wires of the wiring harness 3 also are inputted. Theweight data is a parameter representing a degree of difficulty to deformor bend the respective wires in the 3D design data deforming step to bedescribed later. The larger the value of the weight data, the moredifficult it is to deform the wire. Further, as the value of the weightdata increases, the wire is more likely to be curved in its entiretyinstead of being deformed only at a point of deformation. Weight data isobtained empirically according to the diameters of the wires and otherfactors, and may result from experiments and/or simulation of thedeformation properties of the wires 21 depending on wire specifications(such as material, cross-section, structure, coating, etc.). The chosenlength “a” of the wire segments 22 is longer when the wire 21 is stifferor more difficult to bend, while the chosen length “a” of the wiresegments 22 is shorter when the wire 21 is softer or easier to bend.

In Step S2, the reference layout data inputted beforehand are plotted ina virtual 3D space for three-dimensional display on the display device11. In this virtual 3D space (as a 2D projection on the display means 11or as a 3D virtual imaging technique e.g. based on a red/green displaynecessitating corresponding eyeglasses), a virtual viewpoint can bechanged, for example, in accordance with an operation of the inputdevice 14, such as the mouse 13.

These reference layout data define a background image when the 3D designdata are displayed. The virtual 3D display of the wiring harness 3specified by the reference layout data is made, for example, inachromatic color to distinguish these data from the 3D design data.

Next, in Step S3, the 3D design data inputted in Step S1 are displayedsuperimposed on the reference layout data displayed in Step 2.

Individual wires 21 or the wire segments 22 of a plurality of wires arerepresented, for example, using cylindrical shapes as shown in FIGS. 4and 6. However, the wires 21 may be represented using other shapes, suchas square, rectangular, elliptic or other cross section.

A vector S extending in a direction passing the center of a cylinder andhaving a length is defined for the wire segment 22 of length “a”, asshown in FIG. 6. The vector S can specify a single absolute position anda twisting degree by specifying direction information and lengthinformation in a 3D space defined by x-, y- and z-axes, and angle ofrotation information from a reference point by a twist angle (angle ofrotation centered on the axis of the wire) between this wire segment andthe wire segment adjacent thereto.

Data of the individual wire segments 22 can be displayed to be connectedcontinuously with each other. The continuous connection, as shown inFIG. 7, is such that the coordinates of end points of center axes 23 a,23 b substantially coincide if the wire segments 22 a, 22 b are to beconnected.

The entire 3D design data are moved within the virtual 3D space usingthe input device 14, such as the mouse 13, to adjust the positionalrelationship between the 3D design data and the reference layout data.Step S3 ends when the 3D design data are at a position considereddesirable by an operator.

In Step S4, the operator manually deforms the virtual shape of the wire21 represented by the 3D design data using the input device 14, such asthe mouse 13, so that the shape coincides with the image of thereference layout data displayed as a background image.

It is possible to represent the flexibility of the wire segment 22 bydata using a function of a typical 3D simulation system. However, suchan operation is quite cumbersome, and the result of the operation maynot necessarily reflect the operator's intention. Accordingly, in this3D virtual assembling system, the processing described below isperformed to enable the representation of a flexible characteristic asintended by the operator.

The recognition of the respective wire segments 22 in the computer mainbody 16 is made by vector variables, i.e. vectors S (x, y, z, θ) in the3D space, as described above. Variable θ denotes a twist angle betweentwo continuous wire segments 22 a, 22 b, as shown in FIG. 8. Vectors areshown in the x, y plane and the z-axis is omitted in FIG. 8 tofacilitate the description. However, the same applies to the 3Dcoordinate systems that have z-axis.

For example, the vectors S of five wire segments 22 have the followingvalues in FIG. 8:

vector S1=(X1, Y1, Z, θ)

vector S2=(X2, Y2, Z, θ)

vector S3=(X3, Y2, Z, θ)

vector S4=(X4, Y1, Z, θ)

vector S5=(X5, 0, Z, θ).

After setting the vectors S as above, an end point of the wire segment22 is moved within the 3D space by a special operation of the mouse 13called “drag”. The drag operation may include manipulating a button ofthe mouse 13.

The continuous wire segments 22 a, 22 b are held virtually connectedwith each other at a connection point 24, as shown in FIG. 7. Thecontinuous connection results in the representation of a curve of thewiring harness 3 if the position of the end point of the wire segment 22is moved. Thus, if tension is exerted on one of the continuous wiresegments 22, the other wire segment 22 is dragged. A movement vector ofthe other wire segment is set by a specified operational equation basedon empirical rules that depend on a variation vector of the connectionpoint. Accordingly, the wiring harness 3 can be deformed without losinginformation on the continuity of all the wires.

If the position of point (X5, 0) in FIG. 8 is moved by the input device14, an influence of such a movement on the other connection pointsdiffer in degree. In other words, the connection points closer to thepoint moved by the input device 14 are moved more than those moredistant therefrom. Here, it is assumed that values of the vectors Safter the change of the positions of the respective connection pointsare as follows:

vector S1=(X1, Y1, Z, θ1)

vector S2=(X2, Y2, Z, θ2)

vector S3=(X3, Y2, Z, θ3)

vector S4=(X4, Y1, Z, θ4)

vector S5=(X5, 0, Z, θ5)

where θ1<θ2<θ3<θ4<θ5.

In this way, the curved shape of the wiring harness 3 can be representedby both the absolute coordinates and the twist angles, and flexiblerepresentation such as a deflection can be made freely. Relationships ofθ1 to θ5 that reflect the bending characteristic of the wire 21 are setbeforehand e.g. based on empirical rules and are defined beforehand as asoftware program implementing the operations of the 3D virtualassembling system.

Weight parameters that represent difficulties of the respective wires todeform are considered for the mutual influences of the different wiresin the wiring harness 3. Specifically, using a specified operationalequation, a larger value for the weight data indicates a stiffer or morerigid wire 21, hence a smaller movement is made, at least locally,during the deformation. Further, as the value of the weight data of thewire increases, the wire is more likely to curve moderately in itsentirety instead of being deformed only at a point.

The wiring harness 3 frequently is comprised of an aggregate of wiresand covering parts (e.g. vinyl tubes, corrugate tubes, taping, etc.) 26mounted around the wires 21. Accordingly, the shapes of the coveringparts 26 need to be represented with the shape data of the wires 21.

Data with the same configuration as the wires 21, i.e. information onthe length and the diameter, may be generated for the individualcovering parts 26. The data of the wire segments 22 in ranges where thecovering parts 26 are mounted are deleted and the data of the coveringparts 26 are inserted. Thus, the data of the wire segments 22 arereplaced by the data of the covering parts 26. A processing independentof the one for the wires 21 can generate data on diameters, designs andthe dimensions of the covering parts 26. Therefore, the 3D shape of thewiring harness is represented realistically.

Parameters of a relative twist angle φ about the center axis of eachwire segment are given as described above. However, this information canbe utilized only if the operator can recognize twisted states whenlooking at the 3D shape displayed on the display device 11. Thus, avisual representation of the “twist characteristic” on the displaydevice 11 is desirable for an effective 3D simulation. Accordingly, asubstantially straight line is added on the outer circumferentialsurface of the wire segment 22 at an initial stage of the generation ofdata on the wire segment 22. These data are used with a 3D model of thewire 21 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. It is assumed that the twist angle φ,which is a parameter of the vector S, is set at a desired fixed value.

First, each wire segment 22 is displayed in cylindrical form, and astraight surface line is added on the outer circumferential surface ofeach cylindrical wire segment 22 along its longitudinal directionseparately from the center axis thereof. Initially, the surface lines ofall the wire segments 22 form a straight line in each wire 21.

The twist angles φ of all the wire segment data may be the same in thewire segments 22 continuously connected with each other. Thus, thestraight lines in the longitudinal direction on the outer surfaces ofall the cylinders are represented as a continuous straight line, asshown in FIG. 10. In this way, a state free from “twist” can berepresented visually.

On the other hand, the twist angle φ may be changed in some wiresegments 22. Thus, the surface lines on the outer surfaces of therespective wire segments 22 are displayed in a twisted manner as shownin FIG. 11 according to a degree of the angular change. In other words,if a certain wire segment 22 is twisted due to a movement of a branchwire, the wire segments 22 adjacent thereto are displayed to represent atwist with the twist angle φ reduced in accordance with a specified law,preferably based on a relaxation method. The “twist characteristic” canbe represented visually merely by the lines on the outer surfaces of thecylindrical wire segments 22 and can be investigated.

The deformation results of the 3D design data of the wires 21 aredisplayed on the display device 11 e.g. with the aid of a conventionalCAD-software such as ENVISION™, while being superimposed on the image ofthe reference layout data displayed as a background image, and a degreeof coincidence or a degree of discrepancy of the two images is confirmedvisually. For example, loosening of an image of the 3D design data withrespect to an image 28 of the reference layout data as a backgroundimage may be large as shown in FIG. 12. This indicates that the wire isexcessively long. Further, a branch wire 29 a of the 3D design data maybe drawn out from base wires 28, 29 in a direction opposite from thebranch wire 28 a of the reference layout data as a background image asshown in FIG. 13. Thus, a design change is made to change a formingdirection of the branch wire 29 a with respect to the base wire 29.Other problems including excessively short lengths of the wires andexcessive twists can also be confirmed easily using the display resultor content on the display device 11.

The above-described 3D virtual assembling method enables an efficientwire layout investigation without producing an actual trial product.Accordingly, as compared to the prior art methods, time and labor fordesigning can be reduced considerably.

This method is also effective for the actual design investigation sinceboth coordinate information and twists of the wires 21 can beinvestigated. Accordingly, an efficient wire layout investigation can bemade by virtually investigating the wire layout confirming to the resultof the design without actually producing a trial product. Thus, ascompared to the prior art methods, time and labor for designing can bereduced considerably.

The curved state of the wiring harness can be subjected to a polygonprocessing and displayed by dividing the wiring harness into wiresegments. Thus, an operation load of the control means can be reduced ascompared to performing an operation assuming an actually curved state asa physical data.

Furthermore, the continuous state of wire segments can be maintainedeven after the deformation by dividing the wiring harness into aplurality of wire segments. Thus, processing can be performed to deformthe wiring harness in a manner that approximates an actual curved stateof the wiring harness.

Data on the phase difference between adjacent wire segments is given toeach wire segment. Thus, unnatural twists can be confirmed visually bydisplaying a change in this phase difference on the display means.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a method for designing a wiring harnessassembling table according to the invention.

First, a client or a design provider, such as a car manufacturer or anappliance manufacturer written in Step S01 of FIG. 16, drafts a designdrawing of a wiring harness divided according to the type of object(e.g. automotive vehicle, electric appliance, etc.) and according tosections (Step S02). At a later stage, a wiring harness is designed foreach type and for each section. This design drawing includes informationon the specifications of various parts, such as electric circuits, wiresand accessories. An information output form of the design drawing to bedrafted includes electronic information of two-dimensional 2D or 3Dcoordinates and a drawing printed as a plan based on the electronicinformation.

Subsequently, in Step S03, the electronic information obtained in StepS02 is converted to have a data format suited to a computer softwareprogram called IHS (wiring harness production designing system).

A skilled operator designs the wiring harness on the computer in StepS04 and a full-size production design drawing is drafted (Step S05).This full-size drawing is a simulation corresponding to the wiringharness 3 on the assembling table 1 shown in FIG. 15 and is, forexample, a drawing in 2D coordinates, as shown in FIG. 17. Thisfull-size drawing includes: information on circuits 11, each of which isone or more wires; information on terminals, such as connectors andground terminals; information on accessories 12 including protectingmembers or covering parts, such as clamps, clips, tubes, tape and/orprotectors; and information on dimensions and tolerances necessary forthe production in a 2D space assuming the surface of the assemblingtable 1. This drawing also includes information on jigs (a multitude ofjigs for terminals, clamping and/or branching are newly designed orselected according to application) 13 indicated by * in FIG. 17.

In Step S06, the full-size drawing design data for the full-size drawingdrafted in Step S05 are sampled. The full-size drawing design datainclude information on nodes through which the respective circuits pass,information on spans connecting the respective nodes and information onaccessories or parts to be connected with some of the nodes. The nodeinformation includes numbers and coordinates of the nodes. The spaninformation includes numbers of the nodes connected with each other, adiameter of the wiring harness, and coordinates of passing points andbending points. The part information includes: the numbers of the nodeswith which the respective accessories are connected; information on thename of terminal parts or part codes; information on the types,specifications and mounting directions of the parts. Other informationincluded in the full-size drawing design data includes wire information,circuit construction information and circuit processing information.

A 3D wire path data is generated based on these pieces of informationusing a 3D simulation system (Step Sa). Specifically, the 2D full-sizedrawing design data obtained in Step S06 is received as full-sizedrawing information in Step S07. Then, the 3D wire path data isgenerated in Step S08.

The operations performed in Step S08 are described in detail withreference to FIGS. 18 to 21. Here, it is assumed that the node numbersof the opposite end points of the wiring harness are node No. 1—1 andnode No. 2-1 and the node numbers of the passing points are passingpoint 1-a and passing point 1-b. The operations of Step S08 are realizedby a CPU that operates in accordance with a software program storedbeforehand in a specified storage medium, such as a hard disk drive inthe computer.

First, the respective pieces of the span information are obtained. Forexample, the node numbers of the opposite end points of the span, nodeNo. 1—1, node No. 2-1, are sampled as first span information as shown inFIG. 18. Further, the information on the diameter of the harness at thisspan is sampled. In this case, the thickness of the wire aggregate iscalculated as a wire diameter in the displayed drawing and preferably isexpressed in numerical value. Further, the passing points 1-a, 1-b thatneed to be passed when the wiring harness has a bending point areobtained. The span information similarly is obtained for the remainingspans.

The 2D coordinates [X1, Y1], [X2, Y2] of the nodes are retrieved fromthe node information after the span information is obtained for allspans. The coordinates of node No. 1—1, node No. 2-1 and the coordinates[X1 a, Y1 a], [X1 b, Y1 b], . . . [X1 n, Y1 n] of the passing pointsthen are plotted.

The coordinates of the respective nodes then are grasped as 3Dcoordinates by setting a z-coordinate in a height direction normal tothe 2D space at a constant value (Z) for the coordinates of therespective nodes in the 2D x-y coordinate systems. The value of Z atthis time is set at a distance (e.g. 100 mm) of the wiring harnesssupported by the jigs 2 from the assembling table 1, as shown in FIG.15. An operator may manually input this dimension. However, therespective dimensions of the jigs 2 are known, and hence the computermay give a value in Z-axis automatically.

Subsequently, two adjacent plotted points are designated, data (D1) onthe “harness diameter” are obtained, and cylindrical shape data having astraight line connecting the two points as a center axis and having adiameter D are generated. Such cylindrical shape data are obtained forall pairs of adjacent points and, consequently, the 3D wire path dataare generated.

At this stage, the 3D coordinates of the respective nodes are as follows(see FIG. 18):

-   -   Node No. 1—1 . . . (X1, Y1, Z)    -   Node No. 2-1 . . . (X2, Y2, Z)    -   Passing point 1-a . . . (X1 a, Y1 a, Z)    -   Passing point 1-b . . . (X1 b, Y1 b, Z).

Thus, a virtual wiring harness 119 modelled into an aggregate ofcylindrical shapes is represented in the 3D space as shown in FIG. 18.

Next, the part information described below is obtained from thefull-size drawing design data obtained in Step S06.

First, the node No. 1 is obtained as a node number representing origincoordinates where this accessory is to be mounted. However, additionalcoordinates are designated by the node No. 2 as the node number of theadditional node if the origin coordinates cannot designate the mountposition of the accessory.

The mounting direction of the accessory then is designated. Thisdirection information is included in the information of the node No. 1or node No. 2. For example, if the node No. 1 is inputted, it means thatthe accessory is mounted at the coordinate position of the node No. 1 oris mounted toward the node No. 2 with the node No. 1 as an origin.

Further, accessory specification data (name, code, type, length, etc. ofthe part) are sampled as a number by a uniformly administrable numericalvalue or by a specified data standard.

The 3D shape of the part is stored in the storage device such as a harddisk of the computer beforehand. Parts for a wiring harness includewires, terminals, connectors, clamps, clips, tubes, protectors (e.g.molded parts), fuse boxes, junctions positions, etc. The 3D shape dataof these parts are obtained by the following method.

First, 3D shape information registered in or generated by an existingCAD system is copied at the development and design stage of theaccessories, and one data file is generated for data of one part. FIG.19 is a perspective view showing the 3D shape of a connector housing asan exemplary part. The name or code of the part preferably is used asthe name of this data file.

Actual accessories or 2D drawings are obtained if 3D shape data are notavailable, and the 3D shape data of these accessories are set andinputted using a 3D CAD system. One data file is generated for data ofone part after the data has been inputted and the name or code of thepart is used as the name of this data file.

Peculiar retrieval indices are added to the 3D shape data of variousparts obtained by the above method, and are stored in the storagedevice, such as a hard disk drive, as a part information database.

The 3D shape data are connected with the 3D wire path data (see FIG.20). First, the name or the code of the part is obtained from the partinformation, and the obtained information is used as a retrieval key toobtain the 3D shape data file of this accessory from the partinformation database.

Subsequently, the node No. 1 and the node No. 2 if necessary areobtained to obtain the coordinates of the mounting position of theaccessory from the part information. Such node information is retrievedto provide the 2D coordinates [Xpan, Ypan].

The 3D shape data of the accessory then is attached at a specifiedcoordinate position. First, one node number information is designatedfor a connector 20 at one end and the coordinates of a center point of aplane where terminals are to be inserted are obtained. These coordinatesare made to coincide with the node coordinates where the connector ismounted. Thus, the 3D shape data of the accessory shown in FIG. 19 isattached to the 3D wire path data (see FIG. 20).

For a clamp or clip, one node number information is designated. Thecoordinates of a center point of this accessory are obtained and thesecoordinates are made to coincide with the node coordinates where thisaccessory is to be mounted. Thus, the 3D part shape data is attached tothe 3D wire path data.

For the covering member (such as a corrugate tube, vinyl tube or tape:see 121 in FIG. 20), data on the type, diameter and/or length of thepart are obtained based on information on the name and specification ofthe part. Then 3D cylindrical shape data are generated in conformitywith the diameter and length data of the part. Special display designs(color, surface design, etc.) for the types of the parts can bedetermined beforehand to enable a visual judgment of the type of thepart. The display design is selected based on the part type informationand is reflected on the previously generated 3D cylindrical shape data.Subsequently, the node coordinates are obtained from the node numberinformation. A point expressed by these node coordinates is assumed tobe a base point where the 3D cylindrical shape data is attached. Theremay be two pieces of the node number information. In this case, thedirection data is referred to and a point expressed by the node numberindicated there is assumed to be a base point. The coordinates of thebase point and those of an end point of a centerline of the 3Dcylindrical shape data are made to coincide with each other. Thus, thedata are attached by a method for superimposing the 3D cylindrical shapedata on the 3D wire path data. For example, in FIG. 20, the opposite endpoints of the cylindrical shape of the covering part 21 are expressed bythe coordinates [Xp2 a, Yp2 a, Z], [Xp2 b, Ypb, Z] at the opposite endsof a long node No. P-2.

If the diameter and length data cannot be obtained, 3D cylindrical shapedata are generated using the coordinates of two node numbers and thediameter of the 3D wire path data including these node numbers.

The 3D cylindrical shape data may be attached after erasing the 3D wirepath data within a range where the 3D cylindrical shape data are set.The “3D wiring harness shape data” shown in FIG. 20 can be obtained bythe above procedure.

There are various kinds of supporting or assisting jigs 2 (see FIG. 15)depending on their functions. Generally used assisting jigs 2 includeU-shaped jigs for fixing the terminal parts (connectors, terminals,etc.) and the wires, branch jigs used at branched points of the wires,and/or clamping jigs for positioning the clamps.

The jigs may be designed and produced individually or 2D drawinginformation of the jigs are obtained and 3D shape data are set andregistered as in the above for setting the 3D shape of the parts. A jigdatabase is generated or used, preferably using the names or codes ofthe parts as file names, as in the setting the 3D shape of the parts.

U-shaped jigs are used widely and are not selected in one-to-onerelationship to the part name or part code. Thus, the name or code maybe determined separately and registered therefor.

The width and length of the assembling table 1 (See FIG. 15) forassembling the wiring harness are obtained from the full-size drawinginformation obtained in Step S07. Several sizes of the assembling tableare available as production standards (e.g. 870 mm (width)×3600 mm(length)), and a designer selects an optimal size in drafting afull-size drawing.

The jigs 2 are selected for the node coordinates in the partinformation. A desired selection method is adopted, and an optimal jigis selected within a range so as not to impair operability and not tohinder quality (positioning precision, dimensional precision, etc.) inview of the type, shape, size and the like of the parts and the wirediameter. Some jigs 2, such as clamps, are determined in one-to-onerelationship to the part names or codes.

The operator may arbitrarily select the jigs 2. However, the dimensiondata of, e.g. the U-shaped jig, such as the inner diameter of itsholding section, can be recognized by the computer. Thus, the type ofthe jigs 2 may be computer-selected automatically according to thediameter of portions of the respective wires held by the jig 2.

The 3D shape data (see 122 in FIG. 21) of the selected jigs 2 areretrieved from the jig database and attached to the assembling table 123for assembling the wiring harness.

The assembling table data-generating step is completed by the aboveoperations.

The 3D wiring harness 19, the jigs 122 and the assembling table 123 thusgenerated are displayed on a display screen of the computer or printedby a printer, so that they can be visually grasped without producing anytrial product at an assembling site of the wiring harness.

The computer can model the wiring harness and the assembling site. Thus,problems of the design can be pointed out and improvements can be madewithin a short time. Specifically, the wiring harness assembling tabledesigning method may be used at the design and development stage of theobject in which the wiring harness is to be used, as in Step T2 of FIG.22. Accordingly it is unnecessary to produce a trial product of thewiring harness as in Step T3 of the prior art method of FIG. 23, and adevelopment period of the object in which the wiring harness is to beused is shortened considerably.

Moreover, an easily visualized 3D model for an actual situation can beobtained based on the accessories to be mounted on the wiring harness.

Furthermore, the coordinate axis in the normal direction to the 2D planeof the wire layout path is added to the coordinate systems of the 2Dplane in the jig selecting and mounting step, and the value of theheight at which the wiring harness is supported by the jigs above theassembling table is set in the normal direction, thereby arranging thewire layout path in the 3D space. Thus, the coordinates of the wirelayout path can be converted easily from the 2D coordinates to the 3Dcoordinates.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of a wiring harness designing method accordingto the invention. As shown in FIG. 24, 3D virtual simulation technologyis utilized from the separate designing of subassemblies of a wiringharness to the arrangement of these subassemblies on a harnessassembling table, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. Themethod generates a wiring harness and a harness assembling table thathave precise 3D structures in a virtual space. A trial product of thewiring harness can be produced virtually by simulation, andproductivity- and quality-related hindering factors are pointed out tostudy methods for improving such hindering factors.

The above operations are carried out in a computer system e.g. as shownin FIG. 1 preferably provided with a ROM, a RAM and a CPU, while 3Dimages are displayed on a display 11. A method for these operations isdescribed in detail below.

First, a full-size drawing is drafted in a procedure similar to the oneshown in Steps S201 and S202 of FIG. 46. As a result, a harness designinformation (full-size design information: Step S222) is obtained from aproduction designing system (IHS: Step S221) as a software program ofthe computer, preferably as already described with reference to FIGS. 1to 13.

The harness design information is drawing information developed in a 2Dplane and includes information necessary to draft a 2D drawing.Additionally, 3D shape data as electronic data processable in thecomputer system are generated based on the harness design information.Alternatively or additionally at least part of the harness designinformation may be inputted as 3D data e.g. as possibly received from acar manufacturer.

Specifically, in Step S223, data are sampled from or inputted to thecomputer system for various items including the 3D shapes of therespective parts, such as wires, connectors and covering parts and apart information, considering the full-size designing. These data arecompiled using a storage device, such as a hard disk of the computersystem.

The full-size design information obtained in Step S222 and subassemblycomposition information on a plurality of separately designedsubassemblies of the wiring harness are formed into a database.

The full-size design data to be sampled or inputted include: nodeinformation and part information, such as the type of informationdescribed above with respect Step S05 of FIG. 15; subassemblyinformation including identification numbers for distinguishingsubassemblies and information on parts (e.g. circuit parts) of thesubassemblies; circuit information, including types, sizes, colors,processed lengths, diameters of the wires, the names of terminalsmounted at the opposite ends of the wires, the part codes, the node Nos.of the connectors into which the terminals at the opposite ends of thewires are to be inserted, the names and codes of the connectors, andcavity numbers in the connectors to have the terminals inserted; circuitconstruction information; and circuit processing information.

A preferred data configuration of the subassembly information is shownin FIG. 2. The subassembly information is organized in a retrieval treestructure as shown in FIG. 25.

In FIG. 25, circuits a11, a12, a13, . . . of subassembly No. 1 are anindex information of each wire, and include circuit information todefine various pieces of information, such as passing nodes Nos. todetect coordinates where the wires pass on the full-size drawing anddiameters of the wires.

Connectors b11, b12, b13, . . . are index information of the connectorsand include connector specification information linked with the partinformation, and information on positions of nodes where the connectorsare located.

Covering parts c11, c12, c13 such as clamps, clips, protectors, tubesand tape are index information of covering parts and includerelationship information linked with the circuit information to indicatewhich circuit is joined with which covering part, and an information onthe positions of the nodes where the respective covering parts arelocated.

These pieces of the full-size design information are stored as adatabase (DB3 in FIGS. 26 and 27) in the storage device.

Information on the 3D shapes of the connectors b11, b12, b13 . . . , thecovering parts c11, c12, c13, . . . such as clamps, jigs and other partsis stored as a database (DB2 in FIGS. 26 and 27) beforehand, and thedata of the 3D shape information can be retrieved by referring to theabove index information.

Information on the wiring harness assembling procedure also is inputtedor retrieved in Step S224 and stored as a database in the storagedevice. This includes subassembly assembling procedure information andon-the-board assembling procedure information.

The subassembly assembling procedure information includes: an orderindex (serial No.) indicating an assembling order; the names or codes ofthe parts, such as connectors to be assembled; the circuit Nos. of thewires; terminal symbols indicating at which ends of each wire theterminals are mounted (one terminal “A” and the other terminal “B”);flags indicating the presence of the covering part to be mounted first,specifications of the first mounting parts, and other operation codesand specifications.

Data of the subassembly assembling procedure is stored as a databaseDB1A. This subassembly assembling procedure information DB1A is linkedwith the database DB2 of the 3D shape and the database DB3 of thefull-size design information, FIG. 26, with the subassembly Nos. as linkkeys.

The on-the-board assembling procedure information includes: an orderindex indicating an assembling order on the harness assembling board;the subassembly Nos. for specifying the subassemblies to be brought ontothe harness assembling table; operation codes for identifying theoperations as wire laying, terminal insertion, bundling, mounting of thecovering parts, and branching; the circuit Nos. of the wires to beassembled independently not as part of the subassembly; terminal symbolsindicating at which ends of each of these wires to be assembled theterminals are mounted (one terminal “A” and the other terminal “B”); andthe specifications of other operations.

Data of this on-the-board assembling procedure information also arestored as a database DB1B. This on-the-board assembling procedureinformation DB1B also is linked with the database DB2 of the 3D shapeinformation and the data base DB3 of the full-size design information,as shown in FIG. 27, with the part information and the like as linkkeys.

Here, a specific example of the subassembly is shown in FIG. 28 and aprocedure of assembling this subassembly is shown in TABLE-2.

TABLE 2 ORDER CONTENTS OF OPERATION 1 Take connector C3 out and hold itby left hand 2 Pull B-terminal side of circuit a15 out by right hand,and at least partly insert it into cavity {circle around (6)} ofconnector C3 3 Pull B-terminal side of circuit a16 out by right hand,and at least partly insert it into cavity {circle around (7)} ofconnector C3 4 Pull A-terminal side of circuit a13 out by right hand,and at least partly insert it into cavity {circle around (1)} ofconnector C3 5 Pull A-terminal side of circuit a12 out by right hand,and at least partly insert it into cavity {circle around (2)} ofconnector C3 6 Pull A-terminal side of circuit a11 out by right hand,and at least partly insert it into cavity {circle around (3)} ofconnector C3

In FIG. 28, cavities {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, {circlearound (3)} of a connector C1 and cavities {circle around (3)}, {circlearound (2)}, {circle around (1)} of a connector C3 are connected bycircuits a11, a12, a13, and cavities {circle around (1)}, {circle around(2)} of a connector C2 and cavities {circle around (6)}, {circle around(7)} of the connector C3 are connected by circuits a15, a16. Further, acircuit a14 connected with a cavity {circle around (6)} of the connectorC1 is connected with a free terminal T1, and a circuit a17 connectedwith a cavity {circle around (4)} of the connector C2 is connected witha free terminal T2. The free terminals T1, T2 are not inserted intocavities at a subassembly assembling stage, but are inserted intoconnectors on the harness assembling table 216 later on.

Wires for the subassembly of FIG. 28 are stored in a wire accommodatingtray 211 shown in FIG. 29, and parts stored in cases 212 are connectedwith ends of the wires toward the front side in FIG. 29. Connectingoperations are performed on a work table 213.

A procedure for assembling the circuits a11, a12, a13, a15, a16 into theconnector C3 is shown in TABLE-2. First, the connector C3 is taken outof the case 212 and held by the left hand. Then, the B-terminal of thecircuit a15 in the tray 211 is pulled out by the right hand and insertedinto the cavity {circle around (6)} of the connector C3 (FIGS. 28 and30). Similarly, the B-terminal of the circuit a16 is pulled out by theright hand and inserted into the cavity {circle around (7)} of theconnector C3 (FIGS. 28 and 31); the A-terminal of the circuit a13 ispulled out by the right hand and inserted into the cavity {circle around(1)} of the connector C3; the A-terminal of the circuit a12 is pulledout by the right hand and inserted into the cavity {circle around (2)}of the connector C3; and the A-terminal of the circuit all is pulled outby the right hand and inserted into the cavity {circle around (3)} ofthe connector C3 (FIGS. 28 and 32).

Subassembly assembling procedure information is generated based on thesemanual operations (see FIG. 26), as shown in TABLE-3 below.

TABLE 3 SUBASS. SERIAL CIRCUIT TERMINAL NO. NO. PART CODE NO. SYMBOL . .. 001 C3, 2 002 a15, 1 B 003 a16, 1 B 004 a13, 1 A 005 a12, 1 A 006 a11,1 A

Information “C3, 2” in TABLE-3 means the connector C3 is held by theleft hand (“2”) and is stored in a part code column in a row of serialNo. 001. Subsequently, information “a15, 1” means the circuit a15 isheld by the right hand (“1”) and is stored in a circuit No. column andin a row of the serial No. 002. Similarly, information “a16, 1”, “a13,1”, “a12, 1” and “a11, 1” are stored in rows of succeeding serial Nos.The terminal symbols (A or B) also are stored together. This subassemblyassembling procedure information is formed into a database as indicatedby DB1A in FIG. 26.

A state of a subassembly laid on a harness assembling table is shown inFIG. 33 and a corresponding wire laying procedure is shown in TABLE-4.

TABLE 4 ORDER CONTENTS OF OPERATION 1 Pass wires from connector C1through a specified U-shaped jig 2 Pass wires from connector C2 througha specified U-shaped jig 3 Lay wires connected with connector C3 andfree terminals along specified paths 4 Pass wires from connector C3through a specified U-shaped jig 5 Lay wires connected with freeterminals to the vicinity of connector C4 6 Pass wires from connector C5through a specified U-shaped jig 7 Lay wires connected with connector C4along a specified path 8 Pass wires from connector C4 through aspecified U-shaped jig 9 Insert free terminal connected with connectorC2 into cavity {circle around (5)} of connector C4 10 Insert freeterminal connected with connector C1 into cavity {circle around (1)} ofconnector C4

The harness assembling table 216 is used for assembling the wiringharness while being inclined only by an angle of θ with respect to ahorizontal plane defined by X-axis and Y-axis as shown in FIG. 34.U-shaped jigs Jig1 to Jig6 for holding the wires and connectors C1 to C5are mounted on the harness assembling table 216. The design of theharness assembling table 216 with respect to the arrangement of thesingle subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3, . . . and/or of the jigs Jig1,Jig2, Jig3, . . . may be designed according to a method as describedwith reference to FIGS. 24 to 50.

As shown in TABLE-4, the wires connected with the connector C1 of thesubassembly shown in FIG. 28 are passed through the U-shaped jig Jig1 onthe harness assembling table 216. Similarly, the wires connected withthe connector C2 of the subassembly are passed through the U-shaped jigJig2. Subsequently, the wires connected with the connector C3 and thewires having free terminals are laid along specified paths, and thewires connected with the connector C3 are passed through the U-shapedjig Jig3. Then, as shown in FIG. 36, the wires connected with the freeterminals T1, T2 are laid near the connector C4. Subsequently, the wiresconnected with the connector C5 are passed through the specifiedU-shaped jig Jig5. The wires connected with the connector C4 are laidalong a specified path and are passed through the specified jig Jig4.Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 37, the free terminal T2 extending from theconnector C2 is inserted into a specified cavity of the connector C4,and the free terminal T1 extending from the connector C1 is insertedinto another specified cavity of the connector C4, with the result thata state of FIG. 38 is attained.

The on-the-board assembling procedure information is generated assumingthe procedure of these manual operations. The on-the-board assemblingprocedure information at this time (see FIG. 37) is as shown in TABLE-5below.

TABLE 5 SUBASS PART CIRCUIT TERMINAL SERIAL NO. NO. OPERATION CODE NO.SYMBOL . . . 001 001 wire laying C1 002 001 wire laying C2 003 001 wirelaying C3 004 002 wire laying C5 005 002 wire laying C4 006 001 terminalinsertion C4 a14 A 007 001 terminal insertion C4 a17 A

TABLE-5 defines that the wires are laid for the connectors C1 to C3 ofthe subassembly 001 in the rows of the serial Nos. of 001 to 003; thewires are laid for the connectors C5, C4 of the subassembly 002 in therows of the serial Nos. 004, 005; and the A-terminals of the specifiedcircuits are inserted into the connector C4 of the subassembly 001 inthe rows of the serial Nos. of 006 and 007. This on-the-board assemblingprocedure information is formed into the database as indicated by DB1Bin FIG. 37.

After the assembling procedure information sampling step (Step S224)shown FIG. 24 is completed in this way, the full-size design data andthe assembling procedure information are received by a 3D simulationsystem of another computer system via a specified network by a methodsuch as an FTP. Thereafter, the 3D shape data of the subassemblies andthat of the wiring harness on the harness assembling table (includingthe assembling board and the U-shaped jigs) in the virtual 3D space aregenerated successively in this computer system, and are displayed on adisplay (Step S226).

The operation in this Step is described, starting with the 3D shape dataof the subassemblies, which may be generated by a method or system asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

First, the part code (C3, 2) is obtained based on the serial No. (001)of the subassembly assembling procedure information DB1A shown in FIG.26 and TABLE-3.

Subsequently, the 3D shape information of the connector C3 is retrievedfrom the 3D shape information DB2 of the respective parts shown in FIG.26, and this 3D shape is displayed on a screen of the display (notshown) of the computer system. A display position of the connector C3 onthe screen of the display is set arbitrarily using a pointing device(not shown) such as a mouse, and the connector C3 is displayed such thata circuit insertion surface where the cavities of the connector C3 areformed is faced forward.

The circuit No. (a15, 1) and the terminal symbol (B) then are obtainedbased on the serial No. (002) of the subassembly assembling procedureinformation DB1A (see FIG. 26 and TABLE-3). An attribute information ofthe circuit a15 is retrieved and obtained from the circuit informationof the full-size design information DB3 shown in FIG. 26. In this way,the data on the wires, the terminals, the connectors into which theterminals are to be inserted, and the cavity Nos. can be obtained.

After various pieces of information are thus obtained, the 3D shape dataof the circuit a15 is generated in the virtual space and displayed onthe display 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 30). In particular, a full-size 3D wirehaving a pipe-like shape is generated and displayed using theinformation on the diameter, color and length of the wire.

Actual shape data or simplified shape data (e.g. rectangularparallelepiped) are registered beforehand as the 3D shape of theterminals based on the terminal code information of both A-terminal andB-terminal of the circuit a15 (also other circuits), and theseregistered data are connected with the opposite ends of the wire data(see FIG. 30).

The terminal at the B-end of the circuit a15 to be inserted then isbrought to the vicinity of the shape data of the connector C3. Thisstate is displayed on the screen of the display 11 as shown in FIG. 30.

Next, a trace of movement from the center of the leading end of theB-terminal of the circuit a15 as a reference end toward a center pointof the corresponding cavity of the connector C3 is set (see FIG. 39). Inother words, a general trace of operation by human hands or otheroperating means is measured and inputted using a pointing device such asa mouse 13. Thus, moving images can reproduce a state approximate to anactual operation. Although a speed at which the trace of operation isfollowed is set at a value based on an actually measured value, there isalso a function of arbitrarily changing or inputting such a speed.

In the serial Nos. of 003 and succeeding numbers of the subassemblyassembling procedure information DB1, the pieces of the procedureinformation are obtained and the method is repeated. Thus, a virtualassembling operation of the subassembly shown in FIG. 28 proceeds by thecalculation of the computer system (see FIG. 31) as described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

Later-inserted circuits should avoid the circuits inserted earlier.Thus, a trace of insertion of the terminal of a circuit 18 to beinserted later is selected and set so as not to interfere with circuits19 inserted earlier. An example shown in FIG. 40 is a simulation of thecircuit insertion into the multi-contact connector. The position of thecavity into which the later-inserted circuit 18 is to be inserted is atthe center of the connector, and the circuits 19 already are insertedinto the cavities around the former cavity. Thus, a supplementaryoperation of avoiding the circuits 19 inserted earlier is required. Pooroperability can be displayed visually when moving images are reproducedon the display. Similarly, the insertion of the circuits all to a15 intothe corresponding cavities of the connectors C1, C2 is displayedvirtually.

Upon completion of all the procedures, the virtual assembling of thecorresponding subassembly (001) is completed and an image is displayedon the screen of the display as shown in FIG. 32.

By representing the subassembly producing operation by the 3D virtualdata by the above method without using an actual product, people incharge can objectively inspect whether the subassembly producingprocedure decided by the research engineer is optimal and improve ifnecessary while looking at the display screen displaying the virtualoperation. As a result, an optimal producing procedure can be decided ordesigned sooner.

Further, by using the traces of operation and the actually measuredvalues as the operation speed, the operation steps can be understood asif an actual operation were performed and the remedy of the operationcan be investigated for improved operation efficiency.

The work table 213 shown in FIG. 29 is installed and the cases 211, 212for accommodating the wires (a11, a12, . . . ) and the connectors (C1,C2, . . . ; b11, b12, . . . ) as components of the subassemblies areprovided in the actual subassembly producing operation by human hands.Thus, operability including the layout of the work table 213 and thetrays 211 and cases 212 is studied. In other words, the arrangement ofthe trays 211 and cases 212 is investigated so that the wires can bedrawn out of the trays 211 and the connectors can be taken out of thecases 212 in a shorter time. This simulation can be carried out toapproximate an actual operation by generating the 3D shape data of thework table 213, the trays 211 and cases 212 and the like and linkingthem with the simulation data of the subassembly producing procedure.

Next, a preferred method is described for virtually arranging andassembling the subassemblies, the independent parts and the like on theharness assembling table 216 in the computer system using the 3D shapeinformation DB2, the full-size design information DB3 (see FIG. 27) andthe on-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B which are storedas databases in the storage device of the compute system.

As shown in FIG. 34, the harness assembling table 216 is imaged anddisplayed on the display while being inclined by an angle θ with respectto the horizontal plane defined by X-axis and Y-axis by an empiricalrule conforming to an efficient actual operation.

The subassembly No. (001), the type of the operation (wire laying) andthe part code (C1) are obtained based on the serial No. (001) of theon-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B shown in FIG. 27 andTABLE-5. This subassembly No. (001) means the subassembly shown in FIG.28.

The composition information of the subassembly No. (001) is obtainedfrom the subassembly information of the full-size design informationDB3.

Subsequently, the node information of the connector C1 is obtained, andthe connector C1 of the subassembly No. (001) is imaged in a 3D shapewhile being positioned at the specified node coordinates. Theconstruction of the subassembly No. (001) connected with the connectorC1 is imaged as shown in FIG. 35. At this time, the components otherthan the connector C1 actually hang down due to gravity, and they areimaged in consideration of such an influence. Again, for this purpose, amethod based on the one described with reference to FIGS: 1 to 13 may beused.

Subsequently, the subassembly No. (001), the type of the operation (wirelaying) and the part code (C2) are obtained based on the serial No.(002) of the on-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B (seeTABLE-5). The connector C2 is positioned at specified node coordinates,and all the circuits all to a17 (see FIG. 28) extending from theconnectors C1 and C2 are retrieved from the composition information ofthe subassembly No. (001). The wire layout paths of the respectivecircuits a11 to a17 are obtained from the span information of thefull-size design information DB3, and the passing node coordinates ofthe respective circuits a11 to a17 are obtained.

Any circuit connecting the two positioned connectors C1, C2 is imaged tofollow the wire layout path precisely while the other circuits arerepresented in an arbitrary manner.

Subsequently, the subassembly No. (001), the type of the operation (wirelaying) and the part code (C3) are obtained based on the serial No.(002) in TABLE-5. The connector C3 is positioned at specified nodecoordinates. Then the circuits connecting the connectors C1 and C3 andconnecting the connectors C2 and C3, and the wire layout paths thereofare obtained, and the connecting circuits are displayed on the display.The connector C4 (see FIGS. 37 and 38) into which the free terminals T1,T2 are to be finally inserted, the node coordinates thereof, and thewire layout paths to the connector C4 are obtained from the circuitinformation of the full-size design information DB3, and a display asshown in FIG. 36 is made on the display.

Subsequently, the subassembly No. (002), the type of the operation (wirelaying) and the part code (C5) are obtained based on the serial No.(004) of the on-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B (seeTABLE-5). Further, the subassembly No. (002), the type of the operation(wire laying) and the part code (C4) are obtained based on the serialNo. (005) of the on-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B (seeTABLE-5). Then, the other subassembly No. (002) is imaged by a proceduresimilar to the above. A state at this time is displayed on the displayas shown in FIG. 37.

Thereafter, the subassembly No. (001), the type of the operation(terminal insertion), the part code (C4), the circuit No. (a17) and theterminal symbol (A) are obtained based on the serial No. (006) of theon-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B (see TABLE-5).Likewise, the subassembly No. (001), the type of the operation (terminalinsertion), the part code (C4), the circuit No. (a14) and the terminalsymbol (A) are obtained based on the serial No. (007) of theon-the-board assembling procedure information DB1B (see TABLE-5).

The numbers of the cavities into which the A-terminals of the respectivecircuits are to be inserted then are retrieved based on the circuit Nos.of the full-size design information DB1B, the procedure of inserting theterminals into the connector C4 is displayed by moving images and afinal display will be as shown in FIG. 38.

A state where the subassemblies, the independent parts and the like arearranged on the harness assembling table 216 by the above procedure isrepresented as 3D moving images. An operation of assembling a similarwiring harness on the harness assembling table is observed, data thereofare collected for the traces of operation and the operation speed, andthe speed of the operation and a behavior characteristic of the productshape approximate to an actual product are generated as the 3D shapedata and simulated.

Based on the design information in which the wiring harness as a finalproduct is divided into a plurality of subassemblies, the 3D virtualdata of all the subassemblies are generated (e.g. by the method asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13), and all the 3D virtual dataincluding the harness assembling table and the jigs generated based onthe full-size design information are displayed (see FIGS. 41 and 42).

The wires are represented in the display one by one as shown in FIG. 41and the wires, the connectors and other components of the samesubassembly are displayed in the same color. Different subassemblieshave different display colors. Instead of representing the wires one byone, aggregates of wires are displayed collectively in FIG. 42. Whetherthe wires are represented one by one, as shown in FIG. 41, orcollectively, as shown in FIG. 42, can be selected easily using aspecified selection menu.

The assembling procedure is designed so that the subassemblies areassembled in the order of Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 to form a wiring harness as afinal product Cmp. Thus, the virtual data of respective subassembliesSub1, Sub2, Sub3 are displayed in a three-dimensional manner whilearbitrarily changing only the coordinate value of the vertical axis(Z-axis) of the virtual 3D space as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. Further,the display order of the respective subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 canbe changed freely by dragging the images thereof using a pointingdevice, such as a mouse 13. Further, the shapes of the respectivesubassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 and the detailed shapes of the partsforming these subassemblies can be seen realistically and visually interms of size, color and shape from every 3D angle.

Normally, there is a limit in the size of the subassemblies efficientlyhandled by one worker. For example, the number of connectors and thenumber of wires are desirably less than 5 and less than 20,respectively. If the subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 have excessivelylarge sizes, it results in reduced production efficiency. However, sincethe forms of all the subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 can be computedand/or seen in detail, it can be detected automatically and immediatelyif the subassemblies are improper.

Ease in laying the respective subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 on theharness assembling table 216 can be judged. The more easily thesubassemblies are laid, the better the production efficient can beimproved.

It usually is desirable to lay the wires linearly from left side toright side, and it is undesirable to have such a path that, for example,returns in an opposite direction, has an excessively large number ofbranched points, and/or has branches extending in many directions. Suchpoints can be judged immediately and automatically by simulating and/orlooking at the visual shapes of the respective subassemblies Sub1, Sub2,Sub3.

Overlapping paths invariably exist if the shapes of the respectivesubassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 obtained by dividing the wiring harnessinto a plurality of sections are placed one over another. More theoverlapping paths require more overlapping operations by the worker andreduced production efficiency. Thus, it is effective to investigate thedivided forms such that a sum of the overlapping paths is minimized. Theshape data of the subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 can be moved freely andplaced one over another in this embodiment, and hence the investigationcan be efficiently made.

Free terminals need to be inserted into the connectors on the harnessassembling table 216 later on (see T1, T2 in FIG. 37). However, the freeterminals may be caught, twisted and/or deformed by the other circuits,terminals or jigs (see Jig1 to Jig6 in FIG. 37) when the subassembliesSub1, Sub2, Sub3 are laid on the harness assembling table 216. Theworker is obliged to correct the free terminals, which leads to a pooroperability. Theoretically, more free terminals (T1, T2 in FIG. 28)exist when the wiring harness is divided into smaller subassemblies.

The number of free terminals immediately can be confirmed visually foreach of the subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3, and the subassemblies andconnectors that have many free terminals can be pointed out.Investigation can concentrate on improvements for the free terminals.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the respective subassemblies Sub1, Sub2,Sub3 are placed one over another at a position distanced from theposition of the 3D shape of the final product Cmp in the assemblingprocedure decided by the process design. Successively laying therespective subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 in one direction, for example,from left side to right side (or from upper side to lower side) isoptimal to minimize unnecessary operations by the worker.

For example, a subassembly Sub1 in FIG. 43 has connectors C3 to C5 and afree terminal T1 a to be connected with another connector C2. Usually,one end of a circuit a11 a is connected with the connector C5, and thena free terminal T1 a is mounted on the other end of the circuit a11 a.However, the circuit connected with the free terminal T1 a extends fromthe connector C5 in a direction (from right side to left side) oppositefrom the operating direction from left side to right side.

In such a case, the operating direction from left side to right side isrealized in the subassembly Sub2 by connecting the circuit a11 a withthe connector C2 of the subassembly Sub1 to change the internalconstructions of the subassemblies Sub1, Sub2 as shown in FIG. 44.Alternatively, the connector C5 may be included in the subassembly Sub2instead of being included in the subassembly Sub1. The constructions ofthe subassemblies can be restudied easily in this way.

Such a change is converted immediately into the 3D virtual informationand the result is displayed on the screen 11 by changing the content ofthe composition information of the subassembly to a specified content.Thus, the subassemblies put in an improper order are detectedimmediately and automatically to study improvements.

The production designing system (IHS) preferably carries out a unitaryadministration and a history administration of the generated (inputted)full-size design information, and is linked with various otherproduction administering systems for information administrations.Accordingly, if the division of the wiring harness into thesubassemblies is changed, it is necessary to transmit the resultinginformation to the IHS, to generate and store a new information file inwhich history code information of the full-size design information isrenewed.

In this case, harness designing proceeds but returns from Step S226 toStep S222 of the flow chart of FIG. 24, as shown in FIG. 45.Specifically, an operator using a keyboard and/or a mouse inputs thesubassembly division change result information in Step S227, and thischange result information is data-converted into a receiving format ofthe full-size design information in Step S228. Thereafter, the resultingdata is transferred via a network (e.g. a LAN) for a feedback to thefull-size design information of the IHS.

This method allows the operator to change the full-size designinformation easily while looking at the screen. Adjustments, such as anautomatic extension of the circuit having no sufficient length, can bemade automatically by the computer system. Thus, trial and error testingcan be carried out virtually, and the quality of the trial productdesign can be improved at an early stage without producing actual trialproducts. Therefore, design of the wiring harness can be made easier byreducing the number of productions of the actual trial products and thenumber of operation steps.

The virtual data of the subassemblies Sub1, Sub2, Sub3 are displayed andmoved arbitrarily along the vertical axis (Z-axis) of the virtual 3Dspace as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. However, they may be displayed andmoved arbitrarily, for example, in a direction normal to the assemblingtable 216.

The 3D shapes of the subassemblies are movable in the specifieddirection on the harness assembling table. Thus, the subassemblyassembling order can be displayed understandably at a glance by movingthe display position of the subassembly in one direction in accordancewith the subassembly assembling order.

The on-the-board assembling procedure information for assembling thesubassemblies on the harness assembling table and the subassemblyassembling procedure information that defines procedures for assemblingthe respective wires and other parts of the subassemblies is inputtedbetween the full-size design data generating step and the 3D shapedisplaying step. Additionally, the operation of assembling thesubassemblies is represented and displayed by moving images on the 3Dimage of the harness assembling table in accordance with the proceduredefined by the on-the-board assembling information in the 3D shapedisplaying step. Thus, the operation process on the harness assemblingtable can be understood as if it were actually performed, and such avirtual process can be used to study improvements in the operation forbetter operation efficiency.

The wiring harness designing system enables 3D wiring harness designdata A (see, e.g. FIG. 52) to be displayed in a virtual 3D space on thedisplay device 11 to virtually assemble and design the wiring harnessand the assembling board therefor.

The harness design data A generated by the wiring harness designingsystem and 3D assembling board design data D (see, e.g. FIG. 52) aresaved in the storage device 15. The board design data D also include jigdata E1, E2, E3, . . . (reference numeral “E” is given when these dataare named collectively) (see FIG. 52) corresponding to assisting jigsprovided on the board for holding the wiring harness on or above theassembling board. These jig data E may be computed by a method describedwith reference to FIGS. 16 to 23.

A method for generating the harness design data A and the contentsthereof are described above, and the harness design data so constructedhas, for example, a data configuration Z as shown in FIG. 52. Data H1 inthis data configuration Z include information on the numbers of therespective nodes at specified intervals along the wire path of theharness design data; and data H2 below the data H1 include informationon the coordinates of the corresponding nodes in the virtual 3D space.

Data H3 to H10 include accessory data for the accessories to be attachedto the harness design data. Data H3 include part codes for specifyingthe accessories; data H4 include a span information of the accessorydata; data H6 include information on the 3D shapes of the accessorydata; data H7 include information on the coordinates of mounting originsas references for specifying the display positions of the accessory datain the virtual 3D space; and data H5 include information on unit vectorsfor specifying a mounting method and for specifying a display directionwhen the accessory data is displayed in the virtual 3D space. Data H8 toH10 include information on how the accessory data are displayed (e.g.display specifications H8, display designs H9 and display colors H10).

Data H11 to H15 include span information corresponding to the wire pathof the harness design data. Data H11 include information for specifyingthe corresponding spans in the harness design data A (including aninformation on the corresponding node numbers); data H12 includeinformation on the data addresses of the wire segments 22 (joints) ofthe respective spans; data H13 include information for specifying thedisplay coordinates and display methods (directions) of the respectivewire segments 22 in the virtual 3D space; data H14 include informationon the diameters of the respective spans; and data H15 includeinformation on the length “a” of the respective spans or wire segments22 or on the length L of the wire 21. Data H16 include information onthe circuits formed by the respective spans. The harness design data Amay comprise information on subassemblies generated by a method orsystem as described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 51.

In the wiring harness designing system according to this embodiment, theharness design data A preferably configured as above are displayed inthe virtual 3D space on the display device 11 and are superimposed onthe board design data D by the control of the computer 16. If theharness design data is changed by input made by the designer via theinput device 14, a section of the harness design data A corresponding toa content of the change is corrected automatically; and a correctionresult is reflected automatically on display contents of the displaydevice 11 and stored contents of the storage device 15.

There are two display modes of the harness design data A, namely, adisplay mode in which data are developed in a plane as shown in FIG. 53and a display mode in which data are deformed or displayedthree-dimensionally as shown in FIG. 54 in the configuration in whichthe wiring harness can be laid in a vehicle body.

The harness design data A of the display mode shown in FIG. 53corresponds to a state where the wiring harness is laid on or above theassembling board (including the jigs), and is used to attain improvedproductivity and quality of the wiring harness and to verify, forexample, whether or not the assembling operation holds. C1 to C5 in FIG.53 identify the accessory data of the connectors (merely “C” when theyare named collectively). The harness design data A are displayed in FIG.53 superimposed on the board design data corresponding to the assemblingboard. However, the display of the board design data can be deleteddepending on the setting. The board design data D, including possiblejig data E, may be generated by a method or system as described withreference to FIGS. 16 to 23. The harness design data A of the displaymode shown in FIG. 54 is used to verify the mounted state of the wiringharness.

A case where a change is made to the harness design data A of thedisplay mode is described with reference to FIG. 53. For example, alength between points P1 and P2 in a main part corresponding to the wirepath of the harness design data A shown in FIG. 53 may be changed by aninstruction inputted by a designer via the input device 14 (e.g.designation of a section whose length is to be changed, a designation ofan amount of change, etc.). A correction is made by the correspondingprocessing of the computer 16 by moving the coordinates in the virtual3D space of an end section of the harness design data A more toward anend than the changed section when viewed from a reference portion F as areference of the harness design data A according to a changed amount ofthe length without changing the 3D shape of this end section (parallelmovements, rotational movements and combinations of these movements) asshown in FIG. 55. The section of the harness design data A set as thereference portion F can be changed arbitrarily by the instructioninputted via the input device 14. For example, the origin coordinateposition in the middle of the harness design data A is set as thereference portion F.

As the end section of the harness design data is moved, the coordinatesof the corresponding jig data E6 to E8 included in the board design dataD are moved according to the amount of the change in the length forcorrections by the processing of the computer 16. These correctionresults are reflected immediately on the display contents of the displaydevice 11 and the stored contents of the storage device 15.

The change in the length of a section of the harness design data A ismade by inputting an instruction via the input device 14. This mayinvolve changing the length by varying the number of the wire segments22 included in that section as shown in FIG. 56 or changing the lengthby varying the length “a” of all or some of the wire segments 22 in thatsection. The designer selects the method to change the length.

A change also may be made to the harness design data A of the displaymode, as shown in FIG. 54. For example, the length and path shape(including a twist degree) of a section between points P11 and P12 ofthe main part of the harness design data A may be changed e.g. by aninstruction inputted by the designer via the input device 14 as shown inFIG. 57. Thus, a correction is made automatically by the correspondingprocessing of the computer 16 to move the coordinates in the virtual 3Dspace of an end section of the harness design data A located more towarda corresponding end than the changed section when viewed from areference portion F according to a changed amount of the length and achanged content of the path shape without changing the 3D shape of thisend section. This correction result is reflected immediately on thedisplay contents of the display device 11 and the stored contents of thestorage device 15.

Contents to be changed for the harness design data A may include changesin the accessory data. For example, the types of the jigs on theassembling board may differ depending on the types of the connectors.Thus, the accessory data C of a plurality of types of usable connectorsare stored in correspondence with at least one type of jig data Eapplicable for the accessory data C. Accordingly, if the designerchanges the accessory data C of the connector, information on the jigdata E applicable for the accessory data C after such a change is readfrom the storage device 15 and displayed in a list format on the displaydevice 11. The designer then selects jig data E from this list, and theold jig data E is replaced by the selected jig data E, and thiscorrection result is reflected on the displayed contents of the displaydevice 11 and the stored content of the storage device 15.

As a modification, the designer may change the accessory data of theconnector. Thus, the computer 16 automatically selects the jig data Eoptimal for the accessory data C and replaces the old jig data E.

The storage device 15 stores harness design data A that have a commondata configuration (e.g. data configuration Z shown in FIG. 52), thatare mutually compatible with each other and that are related to eachother. Basic harness design data A (e.g. harness design data A of FIG.53) developed in a plane, and a harness design data A (e.g. harnessdesign data A of FIG. 54) generated by the basic harness design data Ain the virtual 3D space as described above and corresponding to a layoutin a vehicle body are, for example, set as harness design data A relatedto each other. If necessary, harness design data A having a transitionalshape created while the 2D shape of the basic harness design data A istransitioned to the 3D shape of the latter harness design data A mayalso be set.

If any of the harness design data A are changed by an instruction e.g.inputted via the input device 14, a section of these harness design dataA relating to a content of the change is corrected automatically, andthe content of the change and a content of the automatic correction arereflected automatically on the other harness design data A related tothe changed harness design data A. For example, assume the harnessdesign data of FIG. 53 and that of FIG. 54 are related to each other. Ifthe length between the points P1 and P2 is changed for the harnessdesign data A of FIG. 53, as shown in FIG. 55, by an instructioninputted via the input device 14. Then the harness design data A of FIG.53 is corrected automatically according to the content of such a change.The length of a section of the harness design data of FIG. 54corresponding to the section between the points P1 and P2 also iscorrected automatically by the same amount of change as the harnessdesign data A of FIG. 53. Additionally, the coordinates of an end of theharness design data A located more toward a corresponding end than thechanged section when viewed from the reference portion F are correctedautomatically by being moved according to an amount of the change in thelength without changing the 3D shape of this end section.

Another example relates to a change of the accessory data C ofconnectors, covering parts (protectors, etc.), clamps and the likeattached to the harness design data A of FIG. 53. Thus, the type ofaccessory may be changed, the mount position may be changed or theaccessory may be added or deleted. The change may be made by aninstruction inputted via the input device 14, and the content of such achange is reflected automatically on the related harness design data Aof FIG. 54.

As described above, when the designer changes the harness design data A,a correction is made automatically, for example, by moving thecoordinates according to the content of such a change for thecorresponding sections of the harness design data A and the board designdata D which are related to the content of the change of the changedsection. The correction results are reflected automatically andimmediately on the display contents of the display device 11 and thestored contents of the storage device 15. Thus, it is not necessary forthe designer to correct all the data related to the content of thechange via the input device 14, and the forms of the harness design dataA can be confirmed immediately after the change. As a result, the wiringharness can be designed more efficiently.

Further, if any of the harness design data A related to each other ischanged by an instruction inputted via the input device 14, a section ofthis harness design data A corresponding to the content of the change iscorrected automatically, and the content of the change made in this oneharness design data A also is reflected automatically on the otherharness design data A related to this one harness design data A. Thus,plural related harness design data A can be changed easily at once. Dataadministration, such as data renewal (including corrections) anddeletion, also can be performed easily.

The main part of the harness design data A corresponding to the wirepath is formed by connecting a plurality of wire segments 22 along thewire path. Thus, the length of a specific section of the main part orthe wire path can be changed easily by increasing or decreasing thenumber of the joints in the section or increasing or decreasing thelength of the joints in the section, and a deformation characteristic ofreal wires can be represented realistically.

Moreover, if the length or path shape of the section of the harnessdesign data is changed, a correction is made automatically by moving thecoordinates in the virtual 3D space of the end section of the harnessdesign data located more toward the corresponding end than the changedsection when viewed from the reference portion of the harness designdata according to the amount of the change in the length of the changedsection or the changed content of the path shape without changing the 3Dshape of the end section. Additionally, the coordinates of the jig datain the board design data and corresponding to the end section of theharness design data are changed according to the amount of the change inthe length of the changed section of the changed content or the pathshape. Further, if the accessory data in the harness design data arechanged, the assisting jig data included in the board design data andrelated to the accessory data are corrected automatically.

FIG. 58 is a flow chart showing a process of designing a wiring harnessassembling board and a wiring harness according to a further embodimentof the invention, and Steps S201-S206 of FIG. 58 are identical to theSteps S01-S06 of the flow chart of FIG. 16. Thus, a further detaileddescription of those is omitted here.

In Steps S207 and S208, 3D wire path data are generated using the wiringharness designing system of FIG. 1 based on these pieces of information.First, in Step S207, the wiring harness designing system receives 2Dfull-size drawing design data obtained in Step S206 as full-size drawinginformation. Then, in Step S208, the 3D design data are generated. Here,the 3D design data are electronic data representing coordinates of 2Delectronic data used to produce a wiring harness on a two-dimensionalassembling board in the 3D space.

Dimensions, such as lengths between the branches of the wiring harnessand the mount positions of connectors, are designed based on the 2Delectronic data. A 2D drawing of the wiring harness is generated in theform of 2D electronic data using a design assisting software programsuch, as a CAD, considering actual production of the wiring harness onthe assembling board.

Next, in the computer 16, a coordinate axis (z-axis) normal to thecoordinate plane of the inputted 2D electronic data is added to the 2Delectronic data, and the resulting data are stored as a 3D design datain the storage device 15. The 2D electronic data may be inputtedmanually to the computer 16 using the input devices 14. Alternatively,the 3D electronic data generated by another CAD system may betransferred to the computer 16 via communication or a specified storagemedium, such as a magnetic disk.

Pieces of information to be inputted as the 2D data include: 2Dcoordinate information of nodes n01 to n20 for specifying the shape ofthe respective wires forming the wiring harness on the assembling board;as shown in FIG. 3; wire link information on links of the nodes n01 andn20; and information on diameters r01 to r14 of the wires linking thenodes n01 to n20.

To enable realistic deformation of the wires of the wiring harness in a3D design data deforming step to be described later, each wire 21 isdivided along its longitudinal direction into a plurality of short wiresegments 22 of length “a”, as shown in FIG. 5, and as described abovethe length “a”. Similarly, weight data, as described above, is alsoinputted.

The 3D shape of data of accessories, such as connectors 18 (see FIG. 3),clamps, and covering parts (such as protectors, vinyl tubes andcorrugate tubes) to be mounted on the wiring harness are generatedbeforehand, and are assigned to corresponding sections of a wire pathafter a main part of the 3D design data of the wire path of the wiringharness is formed. In this way, the 3D design data is completed.

The assembling board used to assemble the wiring harness correspondingto the 3D design data also is designed using the wiring harnessdesigning system.

In Step S209, an investigation is made on designing the wiring harnessassembling board and an operation of assembling (laying) the wiringharness based on the 3D design data of the wiring harness generated inStep S208 and the assembling board data. The investigation results arefed to the client of Step S201 or the harness designing step of StepS204, and the wiring harness designing step is restudied and corrected.

FIG. 59 is a flow chart showing a virtual harness laying operationaccording to the wiring harness designing method of this embodiment.

In Step S411, reference layout data are inputted to the computer 16. Thereference layout data are 3D electronic data of a 3D layout of thewiring harness in a 3D space modeling the wire layout object. Forexample, the 3D layout of the wiring harness is designed beforehand fora wire layout object, such as an automotive vehicle or an electricappliance, based on, e.g. the mount positions of various parts in thewire layout object. Coordinate information on the shape of the wiringharness in the 3D space at that time and coordinate information of partsto be mounted on the wiring harness are generated into 3D electronicdata as a 3D drawing using a design assisting software program, such asa CAD. The 3D electronic data are inputted to the computer 16 and storedin the storage device 15 (see FIG. 1). The CAD software program may beimplemented on the computer 16 and the data on the shape of the wiringharness be input manually by the input devices 14. Alternatively, the 3Delectronic data generated in another CAD system may be transferred tothe computer 16 via communication or a specified storage medium, such asa magnetic disk.

In Step S202, the reference layout data inputted are plotted in avirtual 3D space to be displayed three-dimensionally on the displaydevice 11. A virtual viewpoint can be changed in the virtual 3D space inaccordance with an operation of the input device 14, such as the mouse13.

This reference layout data represents a background image when the 3Ddesign data are displayed. To distinguish this data from the 3D designdata, the virtual 3D display of the wiring harness specified by thereference layout data is made, for example, in achromatic color.

The 3D design data generated in Step S208 then are displayed in the 3Dspace while being superimposed on the reference layout data.

Shape representation by the 3D design data, the individual wires 21 orthe wire segments 22 of a plurality of wires are represented usingcylindrical shapes as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a vector S is defined for data of thewire segment 22. The vector S extends in a direction passing the centerof a cylinder and has a length “a”. The vector S can specify a singleabsolute position or a twisting degree by specifying directioninformation and length information in a 3D space defined by x-axis,y-axis and z-axis. Angle of rotation information from a reference pointcan be defined by a twist angle between this wire segment and the otherwire segment adjacent thereto.

The data of the individual wire segments 22 are displayed connected witheach other. Here, a method of continuous connection is, as shown in FIG.7, such that the coordinates of end points of center axes 23 a, 23 bcoincide in the case that wire segments 22 a, 22 b are to be connected.

The entire 3D design data is moved within the virtual 3D space using theinput device 14, such as the mouse 13, to adjust an overall positionalrelationship between the 3D design data and the reference layout data.Step S412 is ended when the 3D design data is adjusted (positioned) to aposition considered desirable by an operator.

In Step S413, the operator manually deforms the shape of the wire 21represented by the 3D design data using the input device 14, such as themouse 13, so that this shape coincides with the image of the referencelayout data displayed as a background image.

It is possible to represent the flexibility of the wire segment 22 bydata using a known 3D simulation system. However, such an operation isquite cumbersome, and the result may not reflect the operator'sintention. Accordingly, in this wiring harness designing system,processing can be performed to enable the representation of a flexiblecharacteristic as intended by the operator, which is similar to theprocessing described regarding the 3D virtual assembling system andmethod described with reference to FIG. 8.

Often, the wiring harness is comprised of both wires 21 and coveringparts (e.g. vinyl tubes, corrugate tubes, various taping, etc.) 26mounted around the wires 21, as shown in FIG. 9. Accordingly, the shapesof the covering parts 26 need to be represented in association with theshape data of the wires 21.

As described above, in Step S413, the deformation results of the 3Ddesign data of the wires 21 are displayed on the display device 11 whilebeing superimposed on the image of the reference layout data displayedas a background image, and a degree of coincidence or a degree ofdiscrepancy of the two images is confirmed visually.

In Step S414, the compatibility of the reference layout data and thedeformed 3D design data is investigated based on the deformation resultof the 3D design data and the displayed content in Step S413, andwhether there is any problem in the wire harness laying operationvirtually performed in Step S413 is investigated. The investigationresults are fed back to the client of Step S201 and the harnessdesigning step of Step S204, and the wiring harness designing step isrestudied and corrected. For example, if loosening of an image of the 3Ddesign data with respect to an image 28 of the reference layout data asa background image is considerably large, as shown in FIG. 12, it meansthat this wire is excessively long. Further, if a branch wire 29 a ofthe 3D design data is drawn out from base wires 28, 29 in a directionopposite from the one in which a branch wire 28 a of the referencelayout data as a background image is drawn, as shown in FIG. 13, adesign change is made to change a forming direction of the branch wire29 a with respect to the base wire 29. Other problems includingexcessively short wires and excessive twists can be confirmed easilyusing the display result or content on the display device 11.

In the wiring harness designing method of this embodiment a plurality of3D design data having a common data configuration and different 3Dshapes are generated by three-dimensionally deforming the basic 3Ddesign data of the wiring harness to be displayed in the virtual 3Dspace on the display device and stored in the storage device 15 whilebeing formed into the database. Any of the stored 3D design data areselected and displayed in the virtual 3D space via the display device11.

Specifically, the basic 3D design data A′ (see FIG. 60) of the wiringharness generated in Step S208 corresponds to a layout of the wiringharness, including connectors C1 to C5, on the assembling board(including the jigs), and is used to attain various improvements forbetter productivity and quality of the wiring harness at the productionof the wiring harness and to verify, for example, whether the assemblingoperation holds. Thus, as shown in FIG. 60, the 3D design data A′generated in Step S208 has a form developed in a plane in the virtual 3Dspace. Although the 3D design data A′ is displayed while beingsuperimposed on an assembly board 31 in an example of FIG. 60, thedisplay of the assembling board can be deleted.

On the other hand, 3D design data B′ (see FIG. 61) correspond to alayout in a vehicle body and are generated by three-dimensionallydeforming the basic 3D design data A′ to follow the layout path of thereference layout data for verifying, for example, the mounted state ofthe wiring harness.

These 3D design data A′, B′ have a common data configuration Z with adata compatibility, for example, as shown in FIG. 52, are related toeach other and stored in the storage device 15 while being formed into adatabase. The contents of the data configuration Z is described above inthe previous discussion of FIG. 52, and for simplicity, is not repeatedhere.

At least one 3D design data E′ having intermediate shapes (see FIGS.63(a) to 63(c)) created during a shape transitioning process ofgenerating the 3D design data B′ by deforming the 3D design data A′ inStep S413 are stored in the storage device 15 as process shape datarepresenting the shape transitioning process according to an instructioninputted by the designer via the input device 14. These 3D design dataof intermediate shapes have the data configuration Z common to the 3Ddesign data A′, B′ and stored in the storage device 15 while beingformed into a database.

The 3D design data A′, B′, E′ are formed into data files Z1, Z2, . . .for each data, as shown in FIG. 64, and are stored in the storage device15 with identification data (here, identification numbers of, e.g. No.1, No. 2, . . . ) affixed thereto. Since the respective 3D design dataB′, E′ are generated by three-dimensionally deforming the basic 3Ddesign data A′, the data items H1 to H16 of the data configuration Zthat have different data contents among the respective 3D design dataA′, B′, E′ are only those concerning the wire segments 22, the displaypositions of the parts and the like (coordinates) and the directions(e.g. H2, H5, H7, H13) in the virtual 3D space.

If the identification numbers corresponding to the 3D design data A′,B′, E′ to be displayed on the display device 11 are inputted via theinput device 14, the 3D design data A′, B′, E′ corresponding thereto areread from the storage device 15 and are displayed in the virtual 3Dspace via the display device 11. Thus, contents of the design can beinvestigated while easily switching the 3D design data A′, B′, E′displayed on the display device 11 from one to another by inputting theidentification numbers corresponding to the desired 3D design data A′,B′, E′.

Further, the basic 3D design data A′, at least one 3D design data E′having an intermediate shape, and the 3D design data B′ representing thelayout in the vehicle body are switched and displayed successively inthe virtual 3D space via the display device 11 in an order correspondingto the shape transitioning process by inputting a specified instructionvia the input device 14. A switching timing of the displays of the 3Ddesign data A′, B′, E′ can be adjusted by an instruction inputted viathe input device 14.

Here, a method for setting the display positions when the 3D design dataA′, B′, E′ are displayed on the display device 11 is described. Forexample, in the case of the 3D design data A′, a position indicated byan arrow D in FIG. 60 is determined as data origin coordinates, and the3D design data A′ is displayed to be at a specified reference position(for example, center position) in the virtual 3D space. Thus, thecoordinate positions of the sections of the 3D design data A′ arespecified by relative coordinates with respect to the data origincoordinates as a reference point. Similarly, the data origin coordinatesare set and the data is constructed and displayed with respect to theset data original coordinates in the case of the 3D design data B′ aswell.

Further, if any one of the 3D design data A′, B′, E′ is changed e.g. byan instruction inputted via the input device 14, a content of the changeis automatically reflected on the others of the plurality of 3D designdata related to the changed 3D design data by the processing of thecomputer main body 16.

For example, the length of a section of the 3D design data A′ may bechanged by an instruction inputted via the input device 14. In thissituation, the lengths of corresponding sections of the other 3D designdata B′, E′ are changed automatically by the computer main body 16according to an amount of the change in the length made in the 3D designdata A′. Similarly, the accessory data of the connectors, covering parts(such as protectors), clamps and the like attached to the 3D design dataA′ may be changed. These changes may include changing the type of theaccessories, moving the set positions of the accessories, adding anddeleting accessories, etc. based on an instruction inputted via theinput device 14. In this situation, a content of the change is reflectedautomatically on the other 3D design data B′, E′.

As described above, a plurality of 3D design data B′, E′ of different 3Dshapes generated by deforming one kind of 3D design data A′ of thewiring harness in the virtual 3D space are stored together with the 3Ddesign data A′ in the storage device 15 while being formed into thedatabase. Any one of the 3D design data A′, B′, E′ is selected anddisplayed in the virtual 3D space via the display device 11. Thus, the3D design data A′, B′, E′ displayed in the virtual 3D space can beswitched easily to the other 3D design data A′, B′, E′. Therefore, thecontents of the design can be inspected while switching the 3D designdata A′, B′, E′ displayed in the virtual 3D space, thereby making thewiring harness designing operation more efficient.

The basic 3D design data A′ developed in a plane is used to attainvarious improvements for better productivity and quality of the wiringharness at the production of the wiring harness and to verify, forexample, whether the assembling operation holds, and the 3D design dataB′ representing the layout in the vehicle body is used to inspect thelayout of the wiring harness in the vehicle body. Thus, the designingoperation can be made even more efficient by making verifications andinspections while switching the 3D design data displayed in the virtual3D space between the basic 3D design data A and the 3D design data B′representing the layout in the vehicle body.

If any of the related and stored 3D design data A′, B′, E′ are changedby an instruction inputted via the input device 14, a content of thechange made in the changed 3D design data is reflected automatically onthe others of the 3D design data A′, B′, E′ related to the changed 3Ddesign data. Thus, the related 3D design data A′, B′, E′ can be changedeasily and at once. Therefore, the effect of a change in one of the 3Ddesign data A′, B′, E′ on the other of the 3D design data A′, B′, E′ canbe confirmed easily by switching the 3D design data A′, B′, E′ displayedon the display device 11, and the contents of the designs of the 3Ddesign data A′, B′, E′ can be changed and investigated more efficiently.

Related 3D design data A′, B′, E′ have common data configurations. Thus,if the designer changes any one of them, corresponding sections of theothers can be changed automatically, and data administration, such asrenewal of data and deletion can be performed easily.

Further, the 3D design data B′, E′ generated during the shapetransitioning process of the 3D design data A′ are switched anddisplayed successively in the virtual 3D space via the display means inthe order corresponding to the shape transitioning process. Thus, anoperation of laying the wiring harness in the vehicle body can beinspected and demonstrated by means of the 3D design data A′, B′, E′switched and displayed in this order.

Furthermore, the main part of each 3D design data A′, B′, E′corresponding to the wire path is formed by connecting a plurality ofwire segments 22 along the wire path. Thus, the length of a specificsection of the main part or the wire path can be changed easily byincreasing or decreasing the number of joints in this specific sectionor increasing or decreasing the length of the joints in this section,and a deformation characteristic of real wires can be representedrealistically.

Accordingly, a plurality of 3D design data of different 3D shapesgenerated by three-dimensionally deforming one kind of 3D design data ofthe wiring harness in the virtual 3D space are stored in the storagemeans while being formed into the database, and any one of the pluralityof 3D design data is selected and displayed in the virtual 3D space viathe display means. Thus, the 3D design data displayed in the virtual 3Dspace can be switched easily to the other 3D design data. Therefore, thecontents of the design can be inspected while switching the 3D designdata displayed in the virtual 3D space, thereby making the wiringharness designing operation more efficient.

Further, if any of the related 3D design data that have been stored ischanged by an instruction inputted via the input means, the content ofthe change is reflected automatically on the other related 3D designdata. Therefore, the effect of a change made in one of the 3D designdata on the other 3D design data can be confirmed easily by switchingthe 3D design data displayed on the display means, and the contents ofthe designs of the 3D design data can be changed and investigated moreefficiently.

Further, the related 3D design data have common data configurations.Thus, if the designer changes any one of them, corresponding sections ofthe others are changed automatically, and data administration, such asrenewal of data (including corrections) and deletion, can be performedeasily.

Moreover, the basic 3D design data developed in a plane is used toattain various improvements for better productivity and quality of thewiring harness during production and to verify, for example, whether theassembling operation holds. Also, the 3D design data representing thelayout in the vehicle body is used to inspect the layout of the wiringharness in the vehicle body. Thus, the designing operation can be madeeven more efficient by making verifications and inspections whileswitching the 3D design data displayed in the virtual 3D space betweenthe basic 3D design data and the 3D design data representing the layoutin the vehicle body.

The plurality of 3D design data generated during the shape transitioningprocess of the 3D design data are switched and displayed successively inthe virtual 3D space via the display means in the order corresponding tothe shape transitioning process. Thus, an operation of laying the wiringharness in the vehicle body can be inspected and demonstrated by the 3Ddesign data switched and displayed in this order.

Still further, the main part of the 3D design data corresponding to thewire path is formed by connecting joints along the wire path. Thus, thelength of a specific section of the main part or the wire path can bechanged easily by increasing or decreasing the number of the joints inthis section or increasing or decreasing the length of the joints inthis section.

The wiring harness designing method of the invention also enables theaccessory mounting operation to be investigated before the wiringharness is actually produced, as shown in FIGS. 65 to 76. Thus,accessories (covering parts such as protectors and covering tubes,electrical connection means such as electrical connection boxes, etc.)can be mounted virtually on the wiring harness in the virtual 3D spaceby using the harness design data A″, the accessory data F of theaccessories, and the contents of the designs of the wiring harness andthe accessories.

First, as a preparatory step, the harness design data A″, as shown inFIG. 65, is generated as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13and 58 to 64. These data A″ are developed using the wiring harnessdesigning system or method or the harness design data A″ (similar to thepreviously described harness design data A or basic 3D design data A′)generated in another system and need to be transferred to the wiringharness designing system. The 3D design data F of the accessories (seeFIG. 66) to be mounted on the wiring harness needs to be generated usingthe wiring harness designing system or needs to be transferred to thewiring harness designing system. Here, a virtual protector mountingprocess is described. In FIG. 65, identified by C1 to C5 are connectordata, which are 3D design data of the connectors.

FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing a process of virtually mounting aprotector on a wiring harness. First, in Step S501 of FIG. 67, byinputting an instruction to the computer main body 16 via the inputdevice 14, the computer 16 is caused to display the harness design dataA″ set on the board design data D and accessory data F1 of the protectorin the virtual 3D space of the display device 11 as shown in FIG. 68.The connector data C3 are detached from an assisting jig data E5 to movea section of the harness design data A″ that hinders the mounting of theprotector. The connector data C3 also are moved leftward in FIG. 68 andaway from a portion where the protector is to be mounted. Here, the 3Ddeformation of the harness design data A′ (which can be performed with asystem or method as described above) and the movement of the accessorydata F1 are made by dragging the mouse 13.

In Step S502, an instruction is inputted via the input device 14 to movethe accessory data F1 toward the harness design data A″, as shown byarrow 31 in FIG. 68, and set it at a mount position on the harnessdesign data A″, as shown in FIG. 69.

In Step S503, an instruction is inputted via the input device 14 todetach the connector data C3, C5 from assisting jig data E7, E8, asshown in FIG. 69.

In Step S504, an instruction is inputted via the input device 14 tothree-dimensionally deform the wire path at a protector mount of theharness design data A″ and to accommodate the protector mount of theharness design data A″ in a wire accommodating portion of the accessorydata F1, as shown in FIGS. 70 and 71. At this time, the harness designdata A″ is accommodated such that a center line of the wire overlaps acenter line 35 of the accessory data F1, as shown in FIG. 71.

In Step S505, an instruction is inputted via the input device 14 toclose a cover 37 of the accessory data F1 as shown in FIG. 73.

In Step S506, an instruction is inputted via the input device 14 toperform virtual taping to fix the protector. This virtual taping isperformed by generating tape roll data 39 (see FIG. 73) representing a3D shape of a tape roll beforehand, displaying the tape roll data 39 inthe virtual 3D space as shown in FIG. 73, and turning the displayed taperoll data 39 around portions of the harness design data A″ where tapingshould be done, as shown by arrows 41. In this way, a problem in ataping step (e.g. any contact with an obstacle while the tape roll isturned) can be investigated. As this virtual taping is done, a tapingdata 43 corresponding to a taped portion is attached to each of theopposite ends of the protector mount of the harness design data A″,whereupon the virtual protector mounting process is completed.

The virtual protector mounting process enables investigations on thecontents of the designs of the wiring harness and the protector, theprotector mounting operation and the like. The virtual mounting processmay show that a portion of the harness design data A″ to be accommodatedin the accessory data F1 of the protector bulges out. Thus, thisbulging-out portion may be marked for use when the contents of thedesigns are investigated again.

Further, harness design data A″ and accessory data F1 having differentforms in the respective scenes of the mounting process of attaching theaccessory data F1 to the harness design data A″ as described above arestored scene by scene in the storage device 15, so that the harnessdesign data A″ and the accessory data F1 of each scene can be outputtedfor reproduction via the display device 11. Such an output forreproduction is made in response to an instruction inputted via theinput device 14. The stored harness design data A″ and the accessorydata F1 of the respective scenes are switched and displayed successivelyin the virtual 3D space in an order conforming to the process ofattaching the accessory data F1.

The designer decides which scenes of the harness design data A″ and theaccessory data F1 are stored by inputting an instruction via the inputdevice 14. For example, the harness design data A″ and the accessorydata F1 of the scenes shown in FIGS. 68 to 73 are stored. A displayswitching timing during the output for reproduction of the harnessdesign data A″ and the accessory data F1 of the respective scenes can beset and changed by an instruction inputted via the input device 14.

The computer 16 detects an interference of the accessory data F1 with apre-registered structure data (e.g. the assisting jig data E), which canbe an obstacle to the attachment of the accessory data F1 in the virtualprotector mounting process. The computer 16 outputs a notification upondetecting such interference. The object that interferes in the virtual3D space is detected automatically based on an instruction inputted viathe input device 14. For example, interference of the accessory data F1of the protector 33 and the jig data E and interference of the tape rolldata 39 and the jig data E are detected and notified by the computer 16.

The detection of an interference may initiate a display output via thedisplay device 11 and/or a sound output via an unillustratedloudspeaker. For example, at least some of the display colors on thescreen may be changed temporarily or a message may be displayed toindicate an interference.

Further, the computer 16 can set constraint points fixed at positions onthe harness design data A″ in the virtual 3D space upon an instructioninputted via the input device 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 74,points (e.g. connectors C1 to C5 and fixing portions realized by clamps)of the harness design data A″ to be fixed to or connected with thevehicle body are set as constraint points.

A section (e.g. section 51 in FIG. 74) of the harness design data A″ maybe moved in the virtual 3D space such that a distance between thissection 51 and a constraint point (e.g. connector C4) in the virtual 3Dspace becomes longer the wire along the wire path between the section 51and the constraint point C4 (e.g. moved in a direction indicated by anarrow 52 in FIG. 74) in response to an instruction inputted to thecomputer main body 16 via the input device 14. Thus, the computer 16creates a lacking portion 53 in the wire path between the section 51 andthe constraint point C4 and displays an image representing the lackingportion 53 (here, the wire path corresponding to the lacking portion isdisplayed in phantom line) via the display device 11, as shown in FIG.75.

Further, if the length of the wire path between the constraint points(e.g. connector C1 and connector C4) of the harness design data A″ inthe virtual 3D space is changed to be shorter than a distance betweenthese two constraint points in the virtual 3D space in response to aninstruction inputted to the computer 16 via the input device 14, thecomputer 16 also creates a lacking portion 53 in the wire path betweenthe two constraint points and display an image representing the lackingportion via the display device 11.

Although the process of virtually mounting the protector on the wiringharness is described above, the wiring harness designing methodaccording to this embodiment may be applied to a process of virtuallymounting another accessory. For example, connection of the wiringharness and an electrical connection box may be simulated. In such acase, electrical connection box accessory data F2 (see FIG. 76) isgenerated and stored in the storage device 15 beforehand. During thesimulation, the computer 16 reads the accessory data F1 from the storagedevice 15, displays the accessory data F2 and the harness design data A″in the virtual 3D space of the display device 11 and connects theaccessory data F2 and the harness design data A″ in response to aninstruction inputted via the input device 14.

Connection is made, for example as shown in FIG. 66, by locating theharness design data A″ and the accessory data F2 at specified positionsin the virtual 3D space where these data can be connected, andsuccessively moving the connector data (here, connector data C11 to C16)of the harness design data A″ to be inserted into correspondingconnecting portions G1 to G6 of the accessory data F2 by dragging withthe mouse 13.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the process ofmounting accessories on the wiring harness can be simulated in thevirtual 3D space using the harness design data A″ of the wiring harnessand the accessory data F of the accessories (covering parts such asprotectors and covering tubes, electrical connection means such aselectrical connection boxes, etc.), and the simulation result can bereflected immediately on the contents of the design of the wiringharness. As a result, the wiring harness designing operation and thelike can be made more efficient.

Plural harness design data A″ and accessory data F of different forms inthe respective scenes of the process of attaching the accessory data Fto the harness design data A″ in the virtual 3D space are displayedsuccessively on the display device 11 in the order conforming to theattaching process. Thus, an operation of mounting the accessories on thewiring harness can be inspected and demonstrated by the harness designdata A″ and the accessory data F displayed at the respective stages ofthe attaching process in this order.

Interference between the accessory data F and the structure data (suchas the assisting jig data E) that becomes an obstacle when the accessorydata F is attached to the harness design data A″ in the virtual 3D spaceis detected automatically by the wiring harness designing system. Thus,obstacles that hinder the mounting of the accessories on the wiringharness can be found out by the simulation and can be dealt with easilyin advance.

If a section of the harness design data A″ is moved in the virtual 3Dspace such that the distance between this section and the constraintpoint of the harness design data A″ in the virtual 3D space becomeslonger than the length of the wire path between this section and theconstraint point, the insufficient length is image-displayed as anotification. Thus, sections of the harness design data A″ withinsufficient lengths can be detected automatically.

If the length of the wire path between the constraint points of theharness design data A″ in the virtual 3D space is changed to be shorterthan the distance between the constraint points in the virtual 3D space,the lacking portion representing an insufficient length of the wire pathbetween these constraint points is image-displayed as a notification.Thus, the sections of the harness design data A″ having insufficientlengths can be confirmed confirmed.

A main part of the harness design data A″ representing the wire path isformed by connecting wire segments (joints) 22 along the wire path.Thus, the curved shape and the curving characteristic of the wires canbe represented realistically. Accordingly, the process of mounting theaccessories on the wiring harness can be simulated in the virtual 3Dspace of the computer using the harness design data of the wiringharness and the accessory data of the accessories, and the simulationresult can be reflected immediately on the contents of the design of thewiring harness. As a result, the operation of designing the wiringharness can be made more efficient.

Further, the process of mounting the covering parts on the wiringharness can be simulated easily in the computer.

Moreover, the process of connecting the electrical connection means withthe wiring harness can be simulated easily in the computer.

Still further, harness design data and accessory data of different formsare created during the process of attaching the accessory data to theharness design data in the virtual 3D space and are displayedsuccessively on the display device in the order conforming to theattaching process. Thus, the mounting of the accessories on the wiringharness can be inspected and demonstrated by the harness design data andthe accessory data displayed at the respective stages of the attachingprocess.

Interference between the accessory data and the structure data isattached to the harness design data in the virtual 3D space, and can bedetected automatically. Thus, obstacles that hinder the mounting of theaccessories on the wiring harness can be found out by the simulation andcan be dealt with in advance.

Moreover, if the section of the harness design data is moved in thevirtual 3D space such that the distance between this section and theconstraint point of the harness design data in the virtual 3D spacebecomes longer than the length of the wire path between this section andthe constraint point, the lacking portion representing an insufficientlength of the wire path between that section and the constraint point isimage-displayed. Thus, the sections of the harness design data havinginsufficient lengths can be easily confirmed.

Furthermore, if the length of the wire path between the constraintpoints of the harness design data in the virtual 3D space is changed tobe shorter than the distance between the constraint points in thevirtual 3D space, the lacking portion representing an insufficientlength of the wire path between these constraint points isimage-displayed as a notification. Thus, the sections of the harnessdesign data having insufficient lengths can be confirmed easily.

1. A 3D virtual assembling method for virtually assembling a wiringharness on a wiring harness assembling board, so that the wiring harnesscan be transferred from the assembling board for installation in anautomotive vehicle or apparatus, comprising: a data inputting stepinputting reference layout data representing a 3D layout of the wiringharness in an automotive vehicle or apparatus, and inputting 3D designdata representing a 3D layout of a wiring harness on the wiring harnessassembling board; a reference layout data image displaying step ofdisplaying on a display an image represented by the reference layoutdata as a background image in a virtual 3D space; a 3D design datadisplaying step of displaying the 3D design data superimposed on thebackground image; and a 3D design data changing step of changing thedisplay of the wiring harness represented by the 3D design dataaccording to input made by a data input means.
 2. The 3D virtualassembling method of claim 1, wherein the 3D design data are generatedby adding coordinates of a normal direction to a primary plane of theassembling board used during the production of the wiring harness to 2Ddata which is a 2D representation along the primary plane.
 3. The 3Dvirtual assembling method of claim 1, further comprising dividing the 3Ddesign data into a plurality of wire segments and developing vectorinformation on coordinates of the respective wire segments.
 4. The 3Dvirtual assembling method of claim 3, wherein the 3D design datachanging step comprises changing the vector information of eachconcerned wire segment assuming that center axes of adjacent wiresegments are substantially continuous.
 5. The 3D virtual assemblingmethod of claim 4, further comprising giving to each wire segment dataon phase differences of the adjacent wire segments.
 6. The 3D virtualassembling method of claim 5, further comprising virtually drawing astraight surface line substantially parallel with a center axis on anouter surface of the wiring harness before changing the shape of thewiring harness, and displaying the surface line on the display meanswhile being twisted according to a twist angle of the wiring harnesscaused by the data changing step.
 7. The 3D virtual assembling method ofclaim 5, wherein, the data inputting step comprises inputting 3D designdata of at least one covering part, and using the 3D design data of thecovering part for each of the corresponding wire segments covered by thecovering part instead of the 3D design data of the wire segments.
 8. A3D virtual assembling method for use in designing a wiring harnessassembling board, comprising providing an input means for receiving aninput; at least temporarily storing 3D harness design data of at leastpart of the wiring harness in a storage means; storing board design datawhich is a 3D design data of an assembling board corresponding to theharness design data in the storage means, displaying the harness designdata and the board design data stored in the storage means in thevirtual 3D space on a display means so that the harness design data isset on the board design data; changing the harness design data by aninput made via the input means; correcting at least one section of theharness design data and at least one section of the board design datarelated to a content of the change; and reflecting a correction resulton display contents of the display means and stored contents of thestorage means.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of storingboard design data includes storing jig data corresponding to jigs forholding the wiring harness on the assembling board, and in response tothe step of changing the harness design data, the method comprisesmoving the coordinates in the virtual 3D space of an end section of theharness design data located more toward a corresponding end than thechanged section when viewed from a reference portion as a reference ofthe harness design data and the coordinates of the jig data included inthe board design data and corresponding to the end section of theharness design data according to an amount of the change in the section.10. A wiring harness designing method for designing a wiring harnessusing a wiring harness designing system provided with an input means, astorage means and a display means, comprising the steps of: at leasttemporarily storing in the storage means basic 3D design datarepresenting a plane in virtual 3D space and conforming to a form of thewiring harness set on an assembly board and at least temporally storingin the storage means lay out 3D design data representing a lay out ofthe wiring harness in a vehicle body: selecting one of the plurality of3D design data stored in the storage means by an instruction inputtedvia the input means and displaying the selected 3D design data in thevirtual 3D space via the display means; changing one of the plurality of3D design data stored in the storage means by an instruction inputtedvia the input means; and reflecting a content of the chance made in thechanged 3D design data on the other 3D design data related to thechanged 3D design data.
 11. The wiring harness designing method of claim10, wherein the step of storing the plurality of 3D design data storedin the storage means further includes storing at least one 3D designdata of an intermediate shape created during a shape transitioningprocess when the 3D design data representing the layout in the vehiclebody are generated by deforming the basic 3D design data, andsuccessively switching and displaying the basic 3D design data, the atleast one 3D data of the intermediate shape and the 3D design datarepresenting the layout in the vehicle body in the virtual 3D space viathe display means in an order corresponding to the shape transitioningprocess.
 12. The wiring harness designing method of claim 11, whereinpart of the 3D design data (A′) representing a wire path is formed byconnecting a plurality of joints along the wire path.